R. Ashwin addresses yesterday's "retired out" incident

Indian off spinner R. Ashwin has once again turned heads with his antics in the Ind T20 League. On Sunday, April 10 R. Ashwin made a voluntary exit in the 19th over of Rajasthan's inning during a match against Lucknow. The 35 year old was well set at 28(23)  before deciding to return to the dug-out midway through the 19th over. Why? Rajasthan’s dasher Riyan Parag was waiting in the shed. The men in pink wanted to utilise Riyan’s potential of hitting a long ball and hence did so. Now, people online have been divided over the rare incident. Some backed the Indian veteran for his unselfish move, while others didn’t seem too pleased with the sudden retirement. 

Addressing the incident. Ashwin said “It was an in the moment thing”. Rajasthan Head Coach Kumar Sangakara  said the decision was made after discussions and consultations from the player and team management. “It was a combination of both [Ashwin and RR management]. It was the right time to do that, Ashwin himself was asking from the field as well, and we had discussed it just before that, as to what we would do," the former Sri Lankan skipper said after the match. 

Such a move was never seen in the Ind T20 League and thus created a massive buzz. Was it legal? Yes the move was perfectly within the laws of the game. As per Law 25.4.1 the batter can retire at any time. The veteran spinner further gave a football analogy to explain the situation.

“T20 is more of a team game than we all know. It is almost as much as football. The goal scorers are like your opening batter or wicket-takers. But they are worth it only if your goalkeeper or defenders are ready to do what it takes"