List of players to retire out in IPL T20 ft. Tilak Varma

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Players who’ve been retired out in IPL history

In a dramatic moment during the IPL 2025 showdown between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, MI batter Tilak Varma was retired out – making him only the fourth player in the league’s history to be substituted mid-innings for tactical reasons.

Chasing a stiff 204-run target, MI found themselves needing 24 off the final seven deliveries. Tilak, who had scored 25 off 23 balls, was unable to find his timing or rotate strike effectively during a vital phase of the chase. Despite stitching together a 66-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak’s sluggish strike rate ultimately stalled MI’s momentum.

Sensing the urgency, MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene opted for a bold strategic move, retiring Tilak out and sending in Mitchell Santner. The gamble, however, didn’t pay off as LSG’s Avesh Khan held his nerve in the final over, sealing a 12-run victory for the home side.

Players who’ve been retired out in IPL history

1. Ravichandran Ashwin – IPL 2022 (Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai) 

Ashwin became the first player in IPL history to be retired out. Coming in at No. 6 for Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin was removed strategically in the 19th over after scoring 28 off 23 balls. His exit allowed Riyan Parag to enter and accelerate in the death overs — a move that was questioned at the time but later hailed as tactical brilliance.

2. Sai Sudharsan – IPL 2023 (Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, Ahmedabad) 

A year later, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan opted to retire himself after scoring briskly, striking at nearly 140. With GT in a strong position, Sudharsan made way for Rashid Khan, who smacked a boundary off his first ball, helping the Titans post a mammoth total of 233.

Also READ: IPL – 5 biggest defeats for Sunrisers Hyderabad in terms of runs

3. Atharva Taide – IPL 2023 (Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, Dharamshala)

In the same season, PBKS batter Atharva Taide walked off despite being set at the crease. Facing a climbing required rate (71 runs needed off last 5 overs) and struggling for momentum, he retired out to allow the power-hitters more time at the crease. Although controversial, the move was seen as a team-first decision.

4. Tilak Varma – 2025 (Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants, Lucknow) 

The most recent to join this elite club, Tilak’s exit in the penultimate over has reignited discussions about the tactical use of retire-outs. While the strategy didn’t translate into victory this time, it marked yet another chapter in the evolving chessboard of T20 cricket.