‘Ash-level Thinking,' Says Coach Dravid Lauding Rohit Sharma’s Strategic Move In Super Over

Rahul Dravid praised Rohit Sharma's decision to retire in the first Super Over in the third IND vs AFG T20I.

Rahul Dravid praised Rohit Sharma's decision to retire in the first Super Over in the third IND vs AFG T20I.

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In a thrilling third T20I of the India vs Afghanistan series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on January 17 (Wednesday), India secured a 10-run victory over Afghanistan.The atmosphere at M Chinnaswamy Stadium was tense as fans witnessed two Super Overs to determine the outcome of the contest. Ultimately, India clinched victory over Afghanistan by 10 runs, securing a 3-0 series win. However, a significant controversy unfolded during the Super Overs when Rohit Sharma left the field during the first one, only to return for his turn to bat again. 

In the first Super Over, India had a target of 17 runs, and Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in the chase by hitting a six and a boundary. With the equation reduced to two runs off the last delivery, Yashasvi Jaiswal was set to face the ball. Surprisingly, Rohit Sharma made the strategic decision to retire himself before the final delivery, allowing Rinku Singh to step in as the batsman for that crucial moment.

This tactical move by Rohit was well thought out, considering the long minutes he had spent earlier in the evening in Bengaluru. Having already played a stellar innings of 121 off just 69 balls, rescuing India from a precarious position of 22 for 4 and posting a formidable total of 212 on the board, Rohit Sharma recognized that he might not be able to complete a quick double if required after his gruelling innings.  The unfolding of these events has led many fans to question the International Cricket Council's (ICC) ruling. Despite the controversy, Rahul Dravid added a humorous touch to Rohit's decision.

Rahul Dravid Reacts To Rohit Sharma's Decision:

"It was Ash-level thinking. Taking himself out was Ash-level thinking," Rahul Dravid told JioCinema.

Dravid was alluding to an Indian Premiere League 2022 (IPL) innings by Ravichandran Ashwin for Rajasthan Royals, where the seasoned player opted to retire out strategically to let Riyan Parag come to the crease in order to boost the team's run rate.

In accordance with ICC regulations, a batsman is permitted to resume their innings if declared retired hurt; however, this provision does not apply if the declaration is "retired out."

"Any batsman dismissed in any previous Super Over shall be ineligible to bat in any subsequent Super Over," the ICC playing conditions for T20 matches states

Law 25.4.2 of the MCC notes "If a batter retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, that batter is entitled to resume his/her innings. If for any reason this does not happen, that batter is to be recorded as ‘Retired – not out.’”