3 Instances in T20Is when an Indian batter could’ve retired out

Getting retired out is a tactical decision taken by the team and the player. R Ashwin is the latest one to get retired out in a match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Retired out is more of a tactical move in cricket while ‘retired hurt’ is a forced move due to injury. If a batter is struggling to score runs for his team and if he decides to get a new batter to come in place of him, he can get retired out.

Let’s take a look at 3 instances in India’s T20I history when a batter could’ve got retired out:

1.MS Dhoni vs Australia (2008)

India clashed with Australia in a one-off T20 international in Melbourne in the year 2008 and they suffered a horrendous defeat. Batting first, captain MS Dhoni managed to score just nine runs off 27 deliveries with no fours and sixes at a strike rate of 33.33. India got bundled out for 74 runs in 17.3 overs as the hosts won the match by nine wickets. Pinch-hitter Harbhajan Singh was still left after Dhoni as one of them could’ve come in had Dhoni retired out.

2.MS Dhoni vs West Indies (2009)

India squared off with the Caribbean side West Indies in the T20 World Cup in 2009 and skipper Dhoni again played a slow inning as India got beaten by the Men in Maroon by seven wickets at Lord’s. Batting first, Dhoni came in to bat at no. five and scored just 11 runs off 23 deliveries with no fours and sixes at a strike rate of 47.82. The Men in Blue posted 153/7 in the 20 overs and lost the match at the end. Harbhajan Singh again was waiting in the wings in this match along with all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

3.Yuvraj Singh vs Sri Lanka (2014)

Sixer King Yuvraj Singh endured a tough outing in one of the most crucial matches for India. The left-handed power-hitter amassed just 11 runs off 21 balls against Sri Lanka in the final of the T20 World Cup 2014 in Mirpur. India batted first and Yuvraj, who came in to bat at no. four scored no four and sixes as his innings ended at a strike rate of just 52.38. India posted 130/4 and lost the summit clash by six wickets. Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja didn’t even get the chance to bat as Yuvraj struggled.