Will talk to Ashwin about 'Mankading': Ricky Ponting

Melbourne: Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting says he will not allow senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to employ the controversial "Mankading" dismissal during the upcoming IPL as it's not within the spirit of the game.

Last IPL, Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler was run out on 69 while backing up at the non-striker's end, with Ashwin, then captaining Kings XI Punjab, whipping off the bails after the batsman stepped out of the crease before the ball was bowled. Ashwin will play for Delhi Capitals this year.

"I'll be having a chat with him about Mankading, that's the first thing I'll do. That is going to be a hard conversation I will have with him", Ponting said.

The IPL starts on September 19 in the UAE, moved out of India due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The senior Indian bowler had defended his act at that time, saying it was within the rules of the game.

But Ponting feels the controversial mode of dismissal is against the spirit of the game.

He said there are other ways to stop batsmen from gaining unfair advantage at the non-striker's end than having the ugly incident of a Mankad.