Indian Cricketer R Ashwin’s Unconventional DRS Call Raises Eyebrows, Irks James Anderson
Indian Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has found out a unique way to help the batsman on strike in taking a call on DRS. His way, however, irked James Anderson during India v England, second test on Day 2.

Indian cricketer R Ashwin has often found himself at the center of debates surrounding cricketing laws, from the mankading incident against Sri Lankan cricketer Thirimanne in a 2012 ODI match to mankading Jos Buttler in the IPL. Known for triggering discussions around cricketing regulations, Ashwin’s actions sometimes leave umpires amused. In a recent incident, Ashwin’s unique approach to helping Yashaswi Jaiswal with a DRS call drew attention, particularly from James Anderson.
Approaching a potential double century, Jaiswal received assistance from Ashwin on the field. However, this drew Anderson’s ire as he continued to unsettle the batsman with his bowling. Ashwin’s proximity to the umpire to observe Anderson’s swing and line further escalated the situation, prompting Anderson to raise the matter with the umpire.
In accordance with the Laws of Cricket established by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), there is no specific minimum distance stipulated for the non-striker’s positioning in relation to the umpire. Instead, the laws emphasize that umpires should position themselves to best witness any actions requiring their decision. While Ashwin’s actions may prompt debate, the laws do not prescribe a fixed distance between the non-striker and the umpire.
Ashwin’s actions have once again brought cricketing laws into focus, sparking discussions on how non-strikers can position themselves in relation to the umpire during gameplay.