Ravichandran Ashwin clears his stance on the concept of retiring out

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently became the first player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history to be retired out. The off-spinner has now opined that the rule will not be a stigma, and like the run-out at the non-striker’s end, it will be used more often in the future.

To note, Ashwin decided to go back to the pavilion while batting for his franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a group stage match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 10 (Sunday). The right-handed batter was promoted ahead of Riyan Parag in the tenth over of RR innings. Ashwin proved his management decision right, as he scored 28 off 23 balls, before walking off during the 19th over and making way for Parag.

These things happen constantly in football: R Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that these things are very common in football and the teams are “already late” in utilising this rule.

“It might work sometimes and it might not work sometimes. These things happen constantly in football, and we haven’t cracked T20 cricket fully yet. This is a millennial sport. This is the next generation’s sport. In fact, if you see in football, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo score goals frequently. But their team’s goalkeeper should also save goals and their defenders should defend well. Only then, a Messi or Ronaldo will be in the limelight,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“T20, as a sport, is heading towards where football has reached. Just like how they’re using substitutions, I did something similar [retiring out]. Already we’re late, but I believe this will happen a lot in the coming days. I don’t think it will be a stigma like running someone out at the non-striker’s end.”

Meanwhile, RR are positioned at the first spot in the points table with three wins in four games. The Royals will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in their next encounter, to be played on April 14 (Thursday) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai.