“Pitched outside leg!” – Ravichandran Ashwin clashes with umpire over TNPL dismissal

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was at the centre of controversy during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 match between Dindigul Dragons and IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans on Sunday at the SNR College Cricket Ground.

Ashwin, who is captaining the Dindigul Dragons, opened the innings but was dismissed for 18 runs by Tiruppur captain R Sai Kishore in the fifth over. The mode of dismissal, adjudged leg before wicket (LBW), became a flashpoint after Ashwin openly disagreed with the on-field decision.

The 38-year-old appeared visibly upset, contending that the ball had pitched outside leg stump. He was seen approaching the on-field umpire, Kritika, to argue his case. The interaction, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, showed Ashwin gesturing toward the pitch in disagreement. The umpire remained firm in her decision, prompting Ashwin to walk off in frustration, striking his pads with the bat on his way back.




Subsequent replay footage appeared to support Ashwin’s assessment, indicating the ball may have pitched outside the leg stump. The moment gained significant attention on social media, with several viewers expressing support for the veteran cricketer, who is coming off a challenging IPL 2025 season with Chennai Super Kings, where he took only seven wickets in nine matches at an average of 40.42.

Ashwin’s dismissal marked the beginning of a collapse for Dindigul Dragons, who were bowled out for just 93 in 16.2 overs. Tiruppur’s bowlers dominated, with Esakkimuthu returning figures of 4 for 26 and Sai Kishore claiming two wickets.

Tiruppur chased down the target comfortably, led by a commanding unbeaten 65 off 39 balls from Tushar Raheja. The side secured a nine-wicket victory with 49 balls remaining.

(With inputs from TOI)