News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 1 year ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » Ashwin's new tactic could catch on

Ashwin's new tactic could catch on

By Rediff Cricket
Last updated on: April 11, 2022 18:27 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Ravichandran Ashwin went back to the dug out despite being 28 not out during their match against Lucknow Super Giants, in Mumbai, on Sunday.

IMAGE: Ravichandran Ashwin went back to the dug out despite being 28 not out during their match against Lucknow Super Giants, in Mumbai, on Sunday. Photograph: BCCI

Ravichandran Ashwin became the first player to be 'retired out' during an Indian Premier league (IPL) on Sunday, making way for a more attacking batter to accelerate the scoring, and pundits predict more teams will adopt the tactic.

 

Promoted to number six in the Rajasthan Royals order, Ashwin made 28 off 23 balls before willingly walking off in the 19th over, much to the bemusement of the rival Lucknow Super Giants players.

Riyan Parag came in to bat and wasted little time, making eight off four balls, including a six, as Rajasthan went on to win the match by three runs.

"It was the right time to do that," head coach Kumar Sangakkara told reporters after Rajasthan recorded their third win in four matches, putting them top of the points table.

"Ashwin himself was asking from the field as well, and we had discussed it just before that, as to what we would do.

"I thought the way Ashwin handled that situation, walking in under pressure, the way he batted to support the team, and then finally sacrificed himself in terms of being retired out, was just magnificent."

Bhutan's Sonam Tongbay is the only batsman to be 'retired out' in an international match, walking off against Maldives at the 2019 South Asian Games.

Fans on social media found it fitting that Ashwin was involved in the ploy.

The 35-year-old off-spinner has bowled leg-breaks in domestic cricket to deceive batsmen and has even been known to try to run out non-strikers if they back up too far.

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite is among those who think more teams may employ the tactic in Twenty20 cricket.

"I think it was gutsy from Rajasthan," Brathwaite told ESPNcricinfo website.

"I think moving forward, it's something we'll probably see a lot more of ... It's something that will become a part of the game."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Rediff Cricket
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024