R Ashwin became the first batsman in IPL history to be retired in the IPL 2022 match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Ashwin was batting on 28 when he departed, allowing Riyan Parag to join Shimron Hetmyer in the middle. Hetmyer scored 59 off 36 as RR finished on 165 for 6.
“I had no idea about Ashwin’s decision to retire,” Hetmyer said during the innings break.
Only four batsmen including Ashwin have been retired in T20. Shahid Afridi (vs Northamptonshire) for the Pakistanis, S. Tobgay (against Maldives) and Sunjamul Islam of Camilla Warriors (vs Chattogram Challengers) made it to the list.
Retiring is a strategic move. Once retired, the batsman cannot return, unlike a retired injury, where the batsman can return midway.
According to MCC Law 25.4.3, “If a batsman retires for any reason other than 25.4.2 (retired by illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause), that batsman’s innings shall be resumed only with the consent of Can be started from the opposing captain.
“If for any reason his innings is not resumed, that batsman should be recorded as ‘retired out’.”