What are the pros and cons of retiring a batter out in the IPL? Could it become the norm as T20 cricket continues to evolve?
In a sport where innovation and quick decisions often define the outcome, the concept of a batter being ‘retired out’ has emerged as a bold tactical tool in T20 cricket in recent times. The 2025 edition of the IPL saw two such moments within three days—Devon Conway and Tilak Varma became the latest names to be part of this rare move, highlighting how teams are now exploring every possible option to stay ahead in the shortest format.
In a recent game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, Conway was batting on 69 off 49 balls. He had played a key role in a brisk 89-run partnership with Shivam Dube. But with 49 runs needed off the last 13 balls, and Conway slowing down slightly, CSK made a surprise call—they retired him out, bringing in Ravindra Jadeja to up the scoring rate. Despite the intent, CSK lost by 18 runs, continuing a tough season with four defeats in five games.
Earlier in the season, Tilak Varma too became a tactical casualty. With these two incidents, the number of retired out batters in IPL history has now reached five, and it’s worth revisiting the previous cases.
Retiring Tilak for Santer was a mistake in my opinion . Is Santner a better hitter than Tilak ? If it was for Pollard or some other accomplished hitter I would have understood . But Don’t agree with this . Come on @mipaltan
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 4, 2025
Read More: IPL 2025: Teams that have punched above their weight in first two weeks
Previous instances of ‘Retired Out’ in IPL
R Ashwin – 28 (23), RR vs LSG, Wankhede, 2022
Ashwin made headlines when he became the first player in IPL history to retire out. With just 10 balls left and RR needing a final push, Ashwin walked off voluntarily, allowing Riyan Parag to take over. RR scored 30 runs in the last 10 balls and went on to win the match by 3 runs. The move was seen as a clear example of data-driven strategy being applied mid-game.
Atharva Taide – 55 (42), PBKS vs DC, Dharamsala, 2023
Punjab Kings were chasing 214 and Taide’s slow strike rate was putting pressure on the team. He was retired out with five overs left and Jitesh Sharma was sent in. However, the decision didn’t change the result, as PBKS fell short by 15 runs. Still, it reflected a team willing to make bold decisions for the greater good.
Read More: IPL 2025: Teams that have been a huge letdown in first two weeks
Pros of retiring out a batter
- Tactical Flexibility: Just like bowlers are changed to suit the conditions or batters, retiring out allows teams to send in a better-suited batter based on match situation.
- Momentum Shift: In death overs, every ball counts. Replacing a struggling batter with a power-hitter can provide that final push.
- Data-Driven Strategy: With matchups and player performance data readily available, this method gives teams another layer of control.
- Team-First Mentality: It sends a strong message that individual milestones don’t matter more than the team’s success.
Cons of retiring out a batter
- Confidence Impact: For a batter who’s asked to walk off, it can be mentally tough and may affect future performances.
- Backfire Possibility: The new batter might fail to deliver under pressure, especially if the one retired out was well-set.
The use of retired out in IPL has started to find its place in modern T20 cricket. While Devon Conway’s case didn’t work in CSK’s favour, it reflects the evolving mindset of coaches and captains. As teams continue to push boundaries, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this move being used more frequently, especially with analytics playing a bigger role in decision-making.
Whether it’s a smart tactical move or a controversial twist, retired out is here to stay—and it’s adding yet another layer of excitement to the already fast-paced game of T20 cricket.
Read More: Tracing Digvesh Rathi’s journey: From Delhi Premier League 2024 to playing for LSG in IPL 2025
