Ashwin walks away on retired-out in IPL 2022 (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
If cricket were Pandora’s box, its magic would always come with a few uncomfortable surprises. As the entire world is currently down in T20 fever, the franchise leagues are gripping tight, but the ‘retired-out’ drama is spreading a different kind of drama.
After Mohammad Rizwan faced a blow in the ongoing BBL, Ayushi Sony and Harleen Deol faced the same fate in the WPL 2026. But this twist isn’t entirely new for Indian fans—the IPL had already delivered this moment back in 2022. Curious to know who became the first-ever player to be tactically retired out in IPL history? Let's explore.
What does retired out mean in cricket?
Since the first day cricket was introduced to the world, the game has gone through a revolution as some of the rules have introduced to the game and some have been omitted. Rules were implemented to enhance the experience, aiming for an unmissable encounter between the two sides. Just as the fans know about retired hurt, retired out is another strategic move.
In cricket’s most tactical twist, a batter can walk off voluntarily, without any injury, and be declared retired out. This is a strategic move when a new batter comes in to take charge of the innings. Once retired out, the player cannot return to bat unless the opposition captain allows it, and if they don’t come back, it officially counts as being out.
Ashwin enters IPL record books with first-ever 'Retired-Out' call
The IPL arrived like a storm, transforming India’s T20 landscape and capturing the world’s attention. While global superstars lit up Indian grounds, homegrown prodigies also seized the spotlight. The tournament is just not the canvas of some brainstorming performances, as sometimes tactical brilliance stole the show.
Every season comes with something new, but the IPL 2022 turned heads like no other season. In the 20th match between the Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, the nation watched history unfold as Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name into an unimaginable record.
While batting first, the Rajasthan Royals got a decent start as Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a 42-run opening partnership. But after Buttler’s exit triggered a mini-collapse, Shimron Hetmyer and Ravichandran Ashwin stepped up to rebuild with a crucial partnership.
But the world saw a history in the 19th over, Ashwin was batting on 28 runs. In the second delivery of the over, Ashwin walked off the field in retired out. The cricket world witnessed a bizarre moment as Ashwin became the first batter to walk out on a retired out in IPL history.
As RR was standing on 135 runs, they needed firepower, and Ashwin made way for Riyan Parag if his power-hitting could turn the tide. But the team remained disappointed as Riyan departed, scoring eight runs in four balls.
The season delivered some of the exceptional memories, but that retired hurt remained a classic one. Even RR registered a nerve-wracking victory in the end, but Ashwin’s unusual milestone remained the biggest highlight of the game.
Ashwin starts the trend as more batters join the 'Retired-Out' list
When T20 cricket first burst onto the scene, it was already revolutionary, but with time, it has only grown bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable. Starting in 2008, the tournament witnessed its first-ever retired-out tactics in 2022 and registered four instances of it in the last three seasons of the tournament.
In IPL 2023, Sai Sudharsan walked away on a retired-out in the clash against the Mumbai Indians. In the same season, PBKS batter Atharva Taide faced the same situation in the clash against Delhi Capitals.
During the IPL 2025 season, the retired-out memory came back. Chasing down the 204-run total against LSG, Tilak Varma was seen struggling and ended up walking on a retired-out. In that season, Devon Conway also followed the same path.
.jpg?type=mq "RCB vs DC - H2H records")
.jpg?type=mq "Toss Delay!")
