R. Ashwin stares in disbelief at massive fielding lapse during TNPL 2025; watch viral clip

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is no stranger to high-pressure moments, but what unfolded during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 clash on Saturday evening left even the composed off-spinner staring in stunned disbelief.

In what has now become a viral clip, the Dindigul Dragons, led by Ashwin, found themselves at the centre of a comedy of errors against the Siechem Madurai Panthers at the SCF Cricket Ground in Salem.

The incident occurred on the penultimate ball of the first innings and saw the fielding side miss three run-out chances in a single delivery, gifting Madurai three runs from what should have been a routine single.

THIS IS PEAK TNPL MOMENT 😂👌 pic.twitter.com/8eVuUZgS06

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 14, 2025

How It Happened: Three Misfields, Zero Run-outs

Madurai tailender Gurjapneet Singh nudged the ball towards extra cover and immediately set off for a quick single.

Ashwin himself collected the ball cleanly and threw it at the non-striker's end, only for the throw to be missed by the bowler, with no backup in place. The batters capitalised, turning one run into two.

What followed was a sequence of sheer chaos. A second throw from short mid-wicket sailed past the stumps again, allowing a third run. And then, as if scripted for slapstick, a third errant throw came in from the short third man, missing its target once more.

Though the batters hesitated on the fourth run, the damage was already done. Ashwin, visibly frustrated, stood glaring at the fielders as fans online turned the moment into instant meme material.

The run spree helped Madurai finish their innings at 150/8 in 20 overs, with Atheeq Ur Rahman top-scoring with 50 off 41 balls. Ashwin had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that nearly backfired in the final moments of the innings.

Despite the lapse in the field, the Dindigul Dragons had the final say. Opening the batting, Ashwin led from the front with a brisk 49 off 29 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. Partnering with Shivam Singh for a dominant 124-run opening stand, the duo effectively shut the door on any Madurai hopes of a comeback.

Shivam remained unbeaten on 86 from just 41 deliveries, striking eight fours and six towering sixes, as Dindigul chased down the target in just 12.3 overs. The victory further cemented their position among the top contenders this season, lifting them to third place in the TNPL 2025 points table.