/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24016885/STK093_Google_04.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24808816/Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_____Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_2023_7_25_94252.263_1440p_streamshot.png)
LSG captain Krunal Pandya bats on 49 just one run away from his half, during the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Left the field. -century. Although he appeared to be limping, he was officially retired hurt but not retired out.
The retiring out provision is in place to allow teams to strategically replace a struggling batsman with another player. LSG took advantage of this rule by sending in Nicholas Pooran, a powerful hitter who has been in scintillating form throughout the season. By declaring Krunal retired hurt rather than retired out, the LSG ensured that he could return to bat if the situation demanded as per the rules.
Lol Kunal Pandya deliberately fakes injury__ so that Pooran comes in!__ – PRATHMEsH45 (@45Fan_Pratmesh) May 16, 2023
Krunal Pandya retired hurt after scoring 49 runs in 42 balls. pic.twitter.com/d0OUxQc7Yb– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 16, 2023
Krunal Pandya in today’s match pic.twitter.com/aN8lb73Yce— Arun Singh (@ArunTuThikHoGya) May 16, 2023
Krunal Pandya has played the captaincy innings here. Took the responsibility of anchoring the LSG when wickets were falling. It is expected that he will take the team beyond 150 from here. #LSGvsMI #IPL2023
Riddhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) May 16, 2023
Krunal Pandya injured #LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/So01QQfRZ2— shivesh (@shiveshjha) May 16, 2023
watching krunal pandya smack pic.twitter.com/jSNg3ozko3– Ashwin Kumar (@ashwin_kumarV) May 16, 2023
Every team needs a physiotherapist like LSG who can make players fit in 5 minutes__#LSGvMI #krunalpandya #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/Vk4QjAIZ6X— fantasyfly (@thefantasyfly) May 16, 2023
This strategic decision by LSG sparked a buzz among fans, who took to social media to share their opinions. Even veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hinted at this strategic move through a tweet. The move eventually paid off for LSG as they scored 54 runs in the last three overs. However, it was Marcus Stoinis who played the crucial role, smashing 89 off just 47 balls, and helping LSG reach a mammoth score of 177 in a crucial match for both the teams.
Interestingly, Ashwin himself created history last year by becoming the first player in IPL history to retire. Despite being sidelined due to his injury, Krunal Pandya showed no signs of serious damage as he took to the field to lead his team’s bowling attack, even bowling the first over.
In short, LSG’s decision to retire instead of injured Krunal Pandya during the match against MI was seen as a strategic move to bring in a more attacking batsman. This gave Kunal the option of returning if needed, while ensuring that LSG’s batting lineup remained intact. The decision proved fruitful as LSG posted an impressive total thanks to heroics from Marcus Stoinis.
