IPL 2020: Ponting wanted me to Mankad Finch, says Ashwin

Finch was almost yard-and-a-half-down the track even before Ashwin had released the ball from his hand.

The off-spinner stopped midway through his bowling action as Finch continued to charge down.

It was only after a while that Finch, who was looking at his batting partner Devdutt Padikkal during the act, realized what had happened and came back to the crease.

Recently, Ponting opened up on a suggestion in relation to the controversial Mankad rule.

The former Australian skipper said the batting side should be penalized with runs if the non-strikers leave the crease early.

"I think there should be some sort of a run penalty," he said.

He said if a batsman is out of his crease, a run penalty should be applied.

Ashwin said he let Finch off as the Australian is his good friend.

"He (Finch) has been a good friend since KXIP (days), so I let it slide as a final warning," Ashwin said.

Ashwin added that a severe punishment is viable.

"I severely feel that the punishment should be severe. Dock 10 runs for backing up. No batsman would go out then."

Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler was at the receiving end of the infamous 'Mankading'.

Buttler, who was well set, was 'Mankaded' by then KXIP skipper Ashwin in match number four of the 12th edition of the IPL.

This was the first such dismissal in the history of IPL.

There was widespread debate regarding Ashwin's decision, however, he did actually play by the rules.