Why Batters Retire Out in IPL? Full List | The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for innovation, whether in batting, bowling, or strategic decisions. One such rare but intriguing tactic is a batter retiring themselves out—a move that has been used only four times in IPL history. The latest instance came from Mumbai Indians’ Tilak Varma in IPL 2025, sparking debates on whether it was a smart tactical call or a sign of struggle.
What Does “Retired Out” Mean in Cricket?
According to IPL rules:
“A batter is marked as ‘retired out’ if they leave the field without the umpire’s permission and without the opposing captain’s consent to resume their innings. This counts as a dismissal and affects the player’s batting average.”
Unlike retiring hurt (where a player can return later), retiring out is a permanent exit, often used for tactical reasons—either to send in a better-suited hitter or to save time in a chase.
Instances of Batters Retiring Out in the IPL
1. Ravichandran Ashwin (Rajasthan Royals, 2022)
Ashwin became the first player in IPL history to retire himself out. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants, he was promoted to No. 6 but walked off after facing just two balls in the 19th over. Riyan Parag replaced him and smashed 8 runs off 4 balls, proving the move effective. Ashwin’s decision was initially questioned but later hailed as a bold tactical masterstroke.
2. Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans, 2023)
In a high-scoring game against Mumbai Indians, Sudharsan was batting at a strike rate of nearly 140 but chose to retire out to allow Rashid Khan to finish the innings aggressively. Rashid hit a boundary off his first ball, helping GT post a massive 233.
3. Atharva Taide (Punjab Kings, 2023)
Taide, struggling in a chase against Delhi Capitals, retired himself out with Punjab needing 71 off the last five overs. His exit allowed power-hitters like Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran to take charge, though PBKS eventually fell short.
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4. Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians, 2025)
The latest addition to this list, Tilak Varma, retired out during MI’s chase of 204 against Lucknow Super Giants. Struggling at 25 off 23 balls, he made way for a more explosive batter, but Mumbai still lost the match. His decision raised questions—was it a selfless move or an admission of poor form?
Is Retiring Out a Smart Tactic?
While retiring out can be a strategic ploy to optimize scoring, it also reflects a batter’s inability to accelerate. Teams like Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans used it effectively, but in Tilak’s case, it did not change the outcome.
As T20 cricket evolves, such moves may become more common, but they will always be debated—was it a genius call or a sign of weakness? Only time will tell if more players adopt this approach in future IPL seasons.
