In the IPL match between RR and LSG, Rajasthan Royals all-rounder R. Ashwin retired midway through his innings after he was unable to hit boundaries against Lucknow Super Giants. The incident occurred in the 19th over when he returned back to the pavilion halfway and ensured that someone else comes to provide the finishing touches.
Ashwin had scored unbeaten 28 runs in just 23 deliveries that consisted of a few boundaries. He was unable to hit boundaries and believed some other player should be given the chance. Riyan Parag came after him, scored 8 runs in 4 balls and ensured that RR reaches 165/6 in 20 overs. Kieron Pollard did a similar action during the T20 World Cup against Bangladesh.
IPL 2022: R. Ashwin becomes the first player to retire midway after he failed to hit boundaries in death overs
How the Twitterati reacted
Former West Indies cricketer Ian Raphael Bishop reacted to the incident and called it “fascinating T20 tactics”.
He tweeted, “Ashwin retired out is fascinating T20 tactics. T20 is causing us to rethink the way we conceive the game of in the 21st century.”
After the RR’s innings, Hetmyer revealed that he wasn’t informed about Ashwin’s retirement tactic and praised it.
“I had no idea about it (Ashwin’s retirement) – he was also a bit tired. It was a good decision, as the kid (Parag) hit a six for us. We are in with a good chance. The bowlers need to keep the ball in good areas, if they do so, we are in with a fighting chance”, he said.
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