IPL 2022: R Ashwin’s father surprised by son’s retired out move

Ashwin’s father Ravichandran

India and Rajasthan Royals off-spinner R Ashwin's father, Ravichandran, was surprised by his son's move to get retired out against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Promoted to No.6, Ashwin walked back to the pavilion two balls into the 19th over after scoring a 23-ball 28 that included two sixes, with the team's score reading 135 for four. "I was indeed surprised when I saw Ashwin returning without being out or injured. Only after listening to the commentary did I realise that he has decided to sacrifice his wicket," said Ravichandran, who watched the match on TV at home. "Brain work has worked in this move. It was a good decision and a tactical move by my son and the team management. I am proud of it," added Ravichandran.

Ashwin's childhood coach and former India manager, Sunil Subramaniam, also hailed the move. "It was purely a tactical move [to allow a newcomer to come in and expedite the scoring]. I always wondered why teams did not use this move more often in T20 cricket. It's good game awareness shown by Ashwin and the Rajasthan Royals team management," said Subramaniam, adding however, that the move won't work in the longer formats of the game.