The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League is currently happening, and for the first time in the competition’s history, a batter has retired out. Ravichandran Ashwin returned to the dressing room without being dismissed. He scored 28 runs off 23 balls in the match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Rajasthan Royals were struggling at 67/4 after 10 overs when Ravichandran Ashwin stitched up a great partnership with Shimron Hetmyer to guide them to a respectable total. Just before the slog overs, the Rajasthan Royals made an interesting decision as Ravichandran returned to the dressing room, and Riyan Parag replaced him in the middle.
After a slight moment of confusion, fans realized that Ravichandran became the first batter in the Indian Premier League history to be retired out. It means that a batter is declared out, and zero deliveries are counted for it.
Here’s what Shimron Hetmyer said about the decision during a chat with the host broadcasters after the first innings:
“I literally had no idea about that – I just saw him turn around and go off. He was a tad bit tired I guess but it was a good decision for us since Riyan came in and got going immediately. I think we’re in with a very good chance – I don’t think the ball is coming onto the bat that easily.”
Fans on Twitter react as Ashwin is retired out
Here’s how the fans on Twitter reacted after the decision of Ravichandran to retire out after 28 runs off 23 balls:
R Ashwin becomes the first player to retire-out in IPL.
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) April 10, 2022
Second to do it in franchise T20 leagues after Sunzamul Islam during 2019 Bangladesh Premier League.#IPL2022 #DCvKKR
This move has been discussed so often over the last five years but it takes a brave team and a selfless player to translate theory into practice
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) April 10, 2022
Parag only made 8 off 4 balls – but that should be enough to vindicate the decision, with Ashwin striking at 122 in his innings
WOWWWWW! Ashwin retired out! #RRvLSG
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) April 10, 2022
It was always going to be Ashwin that did it, wasn't it?
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) April 10, 2022
Ashwin retiring out is a good move for the tactical side of things in the IPL. But otherwise it makes very little sense to do that in the 19th over when has batted 23 balls. Should have happened at least an over earlier.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) April 10, 2022
Ashwin out there treating cricket like a deep sea expedition. Man's out there discovering something new every other time.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 10, 2022
As @ashwinravi99 becomes the first player to retire out in the IPL, I can’t help but think about the time he’s done with his playing days and is heading the ICC men’s Cricket Committee. Imagine the innovations he’ll bring into and for the game #IPL2022
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) April 10, 2022
First ever in #IPL history. Retired out, who else but #Ashwin
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 10, 2022
A first in the IPL. R Ashwin retires out.
— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) April 10, 2022
Had to be Ashwin. A first retired out in the IPL. If it’s in the rule book, why not. Tactical game awareness > Set notional patterns. Well done, sir. #RRvLSG
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) April 10, 2022
The retired out can be called: The Ashwin
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) April 10, 2022
Props to Ravichandran Ashwin for retiring out himself in team's interest. It is something which should be normalized in limited overs cricket. I'm sure it will be done regularly in the future. Ashwin can be called the pioneer of this brave strategy. RESPECT! #IPL2022
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 10, 2022
