'Ashwin just seems to be that guy' - Shane Watson criticises Ashwin, says 'retired out' will never happen at Delhi Capitals
R Ashwin retired-out tactically in the closing stages of RR's innings versus the LSG in IPL 2022.
Delhi Capitals (DC) assistant coach Shane Watson is not in favour of the tactical retire-out done famously by Rajasthan Royals (RR) and their premier spinner R Ashwin during the IPL 2022 match last Sunday (April 10).
Ashwin became IPL history's first-ever tactical retire-out against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a move that garnered support from fans and experts, who lauded RR's game awareness and the batter's selflessness in doing what was needed for the phase of the innings.
But had Ashwin, a former DC player, stayed with the franchise, Shane Watson says, there is no way he would've been allowed to retire out. The former Australian allrounder gave a philosophical reasoning behind his and DC's stance, stating such a move implies running away from the challenge as a batter.
For Watson, when in difficulty at the crease, it is crucial that a batter sticks it out and finds a way to overcome the challenge presented to him.
Shane Watson critical of R Ashwin over tactical retire-out
Present as a guest on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Shane Watson spoke in a critical tone against Ashwin and his decision taken in discussions with the RR team management. The Royals, Watson's ex IPL franchise, also fell under his scrutiny as he felt coach Kumar Sangakkara & co pushed the boundaries a little too much for his liking.
"He (Ashwin) just seems to be that guy, doesn't he? He is just that guy. He was happy to push the Mankad rule (run-outs at non-striker's end) to the limit. It's being changed (the wording of the law with stigma detached from the bowler's move). And now, he is the first one to retire. That won’t be happening here (at DC)," Watson said.
"How do you learn as a batsman to work through if you have a couple of balls where you are not scoring runs? That’s part and parcel of your development as a cricketer."
The historic and potentially game-transforming retire-out took place with 10 balls remaining in the RR first-innings against LSG.
Batting 28 off 23 at the time, having arrested a collapse from 67/4 via a 68-run fifth-wicket stand with Shimron Hetmyer, Ashwin walked off the ground and allowed RR's designated power-hitter Riyan Parag to come in.
Placed 135/5 at the time, RR went on to post 165/6 by the close of the 20th over and eventually won the game by 3 runs.