Ashwin becomes first batter to be tactically retired out in IPL!

Ravichandran Ashwin has made history by becoming the first batsman to retire from IPL cricket.

Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, and Lucknow Super Giants, led by KL Rahul, clashed in the 20th league match of the IPL yesterday. Lucknow won the toss and elected to field.

The Rajasthan team, which batted first, did not have a good start and middle order batsmen. So at the end of 10 overs the team scored only 67 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Following this, Hetmyer and Ashwin formed a partnership and played responsibly and raised the team's score.

Hetmyer on the one hand showed great action, on the other hand Ashwin was playing casually. In the end, last 2 overs were left. It was a situation where the team could score only if they showed action. Ashwin then retired and was dismissed for 28. Ashwin's run rate was low and he was replaced by youngster Ryan Barack. Rajasthan Royals added 165 runs for the loss of 6 wickets at the end of 20 overs.

This is the first time in IPL history that a player has been dismissed in a 'retired out' manner. According to MCC Law 25.4.3, "if a batter retires for any reason other than as in 25.4.2 (retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause), the innings of that batter may be resumed only with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any reason his/her innings is not resumed, that batter is to be recorded as ‘Retired - out’." But such retired outs have never been used on a large scale.

Lucknow batted with a target of 166 to win. But at the end of 20 overs, Lucknow scored only 162 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Rajasthan won by 3 runs.