Hardik Pandya speaks strongly in favour of non-striker run out rule: To hell with Spirit of the Game

T20 World Cup 2022: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya spoke strongly in favour of the run-out rule at the non-striker’s end. He said that it’s a batter’s mistake if he/she gets out of the crease early.

To hell with Spirit of the Game: Hardik strongly in favour of non-striker run out rule. Courtesy: AP

By India Today Web Desk: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened up on the run-out rule at the non-striker’s end, which has been hogging the limelight for quite some years. A few weeks ago, India’s Deepti Sharma ran England right-handed batter Charlie Dean out in her delivery stride during a Women’s ODI at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

From there on, a number of experts and cricketers have dropped their opinions on the same. Hardik, in the meantime, reckoned that it’s a rule and one shouldn’t worry about the Spirit of the Game while dismissing batters at the non-striker’s end.

“Because you gave the example, we need to stop making a fuss about this. It’s a rule, simple as that. To hell with the Spirit of the Game, if it’s there, remove the rules, simple as that. The ones who have problems, good for them, that’s fine,” Hardik was quoted as saying in the latest episode of ICC Review podcast.

Hardik, who is currently with the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, also said that he won’t mind bowlers running him out if he gets out of the crease early.

“Personally, I have no problem. If I am out, if I am walking out and someone runs me out, fair enough, it’s my mistake, not the bowlers. It is using the rules to one’s advantage. Simple as that, let’s not make a big deal, that’s it,” he added.

Back in 2019, during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, Ravi Ashwin took the bails off after seeing Jos Buttler out of the crease.

Back in March 2022, the International Cricket Council (ICC) removed the rule from Law 41 (Unfair Play) to Law 38 (Run Out).

As far as Hardik is concerned, he played a match-winning hand of 40 off 37 in India’s four-wicket win over Pakistan on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.