IPL 2022 - RR vs LSG | Ashwin's 'retired out' was a team decision: Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals became the first team in IPL history to employ the 'retired out' tactic as Ashwin went back to the dug out despite being 28 not out,

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson said the decision to withdraw Ravichandran Ashwin 'retired out' in the slog overs was a call made by the team management, taking into consideration the match situation.

Rajasthan Royals became the first team in IPL history to employ the 'retired out' tactic as Ashwin went back to the dug out despite being 28 not out during their match against Lucknow Super Giants here on Sunday.

Ashwin (28 off 23 balls) played a crucial role in rebuilding the RR innings along with Shimron Hetmyer (59 not out off 36 balls) as the duo shared a 68-run stand for the fifth wicket before the off-spinner retiring out with just two overs to go for the innings.

"It's about being Rajasthan Royals (Ashwin's retired-out). We keep trying different things. Have been talking about it before the season," Samson said during the post-match presentation after RR beat LSG by three runs in an IPL thriller.

"We thought that if some situation occurs, we can use it. It was a team decision."

Ashwin retired out in 18.2 overs, allowing Riyan Parag to come to the crease.

“I had no idea about it (Ashwin retiring out). He was also a bit tired. It was a good decision as the kid (Parag) hit a six for us,” Hetmyer told official broadcaster, Star Sports after the match.