The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been full of surprises. From thrilling finishes to record-breaking performances, every season brings something new. One rule that has caught everyone’s attention is the “retired out” option. This allows a batter to walk off the field on purpose—even if they are not injured—so that another player can come in and maybe help the team more. It’s a bold move and not very common. But it’s starting to happen more in T20 cricket, especially in the IPL. In this article, we’ll look at four players who were retired out in the IPL and why it was done.
What Does “Retired Out” Mean in Cricket?
Before we jump into the list, let’s understand what “retired out” means.
In normal cricket rules, a batter can leave the field because of an injury (retired hurt), and they can come back later. But if a player is retired out, they leave the field on purpose for strategy reasons—and they cannot come back to bat. This move is allowed in T20 cricket, and now IPL teams are using it more often to gain a tactical edge.
1. R. Ashwin (Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2022)
The First Ever in IPL History
Ravichandran Ashwin became the first player to be retired out in IPL history. This happened in IPL 2022 during a match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Ashwin was batting at number six and had scored 28 runs from 23 balls. Although he was doing okay, the team needed big hits in the final overs. So, he was retired out and Riyan Parag came in to try and score faster.
Why Was He Retired Out?
The idea was simple—get a big-hitter in when time is running out. Ashwin isn’t known for fast scoring, so bringing in a power-hitter helped the team finish strong.
2. Harbhajan Singh (Unofficial Practice Match)
Not in an Official IPL Game
Harbhajan Singh didn’t retire out in an official IPL match, but he did so in a practice game. The team wanted to give other players a chance to bat, so he stepped out. While it wasn’t a real match, it still showed how teams are now thinking differently.
3. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders – Almost Happened)
Strategic Move Considered
Sunil Narine, the mystery spinner and pinch-hitter for Kolkata Knight Riders, once struggled badly in a match. The team thought about retiring him out but didn’t go ahead with it. The idea was discussed, though, showing how common the strategy is becoming in T20 cricket.
4. Shahrukh Khan (Punjab Kings – IPL 2023)
A Surprising Move
In IPL 2023, Shahrukh Khan was sent in to bat during the final overs but couldn’t score quickly. With only a few balls left, Punjab Kings considered retiring him out to bring in someone with more hitting power. While it didn’t actually happen, it was openly talked about by the team after the match.
Why Teams Use the “Retired Out” Rule
Modern Strategy in T20 Cricket
T20 is a fast game, and every ball counts. Sometimes, a batter who is playing slowly can hurt the team. If a player is struggling to score, the team might bring in someone who can hit big shots quickly.
This strategy is like changing a player in football or hockey—it’s all about making the best move for the team.
Criticism and Support
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Experts
Some fans love this new strategy. They say it’s smart and shows how cricket is evolving. But others think it’s unfair or against the spirit of the game.
Cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have had mixed opinions. Some support the rule while others feel it can be misused.
Is “Retired Out” Here to Stay?
Yes, most likely. With the IPL known for innovation, more teams might use this tactic in upcoming seasons. It gives coaches and captains another tool to win matches, especially in pressure situations.
Conclusion
The “retired out” rule in IPL cricket is new and exciting. It’s not used very often yet, but it shows how fast T20 cricket is changing. Players like Ashwin have already made history, and more teams are thinking about using the rule to their advantage. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is clear—the game of cricket is always evolving, and strategies like this make it even more thrilling for fans.