Rohit Sharma Bats in 2nd Super Over after Retiring Out in 1st: Legality Explained

The Indian captain’s second super over appearance sparked controversy in the aftermath of the thriller.

January 17, 2024, India’s cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, won the third T20 match against Afghanistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With this victory, India secured a 3-0 margin in the series, marking a successful lead-up to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rohit Sharma is seen holding the tournament trophy in celebration of the team’s achievement.

The third and final T20I between India and Afghanistan in Bangalore witnessed a unique scenario, requiring not one but two Super Overs to determine the outcome. India emerged victorious, securing a whitewash in the series, largely attributed to skipper Rohit Sharma’s outstanding batting performance. Rohit Sharma achieved a record 5th T20I hundred and played crucial innings in both super overs, contributing to India’s triumph.

Controversy Arises as Rohit Sharma Bats in 2nd Super Over After Retiring Out in 1st

In the first Super Over, Rohit Sharma accompanied Yashasvi Jaiswal to bat. However, before the last ball, when India needed two to win, Rohit retired himself out, bringing Rinku Singh to the non-striker’s end. In the subsequent Super Over, Rohit returned to bat alongside Rinku Singh. This decision sparked controversy and raised questions about its legality.

According to MCC playing conditions (Law 25.4.2), if a batter retires due to illness, injury, or any other unavoidable cause, that batter is entitled to resume their innings. If, for any reason, the batter cannot resume, they should be recorded as ‘Retired – not out’. This suggests that Rohit Sharma’s retirement in the Super Over and subsequent return in the same over aligns with the established playing conditions.

According to MCC playing conditions (Law 25.4.3), if a batter retires for any reason other than illness, injury, or an unavoidable cause (as mentioned in Law 25.4.2), the innings of that batter may be resumed only with the consent of the opposing captain. If, for any reason, the batter’s innings is not resumed, they should be recorded as ‘Retired – out’. This implies that in situations other than illness, injury, or unavoidable causes, resuming the innings requires agreement from the opposing captain.

According to the ICC Playing Conditions, in case of a tied Super Over, “Any batsman dismissed in any previous Super Over shall be ineligible to bat in any subsequent Super Over.” This rule ensures that players who have been dismissed in earlier Super Overs cannot participate in subsequent ones, emphasizing a fair and level playing field for all teams involved.

The status of Rohit Sharma’s retirement, whether it was “retired out” or “retired hurt,” can have implications for his eligibility to bat again. As per the MCC playing conditions, a batter who retires due to illness, injury, or any unavoidable cause is entitled to resume their innings. If Rohit was retired hurt in the first Super Over, he would be eligible to bat again in subsequent Super Overs.

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