Can Retired Hurt Cricketers Return to Play? Shubman Gill’s Scenario in the World Cup 2023

In an intriguing twist during the ICC World Cup 2023 semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15, Indian batter Shubman Gill had to retire hurt. Gill, who had been playing exceptionally well, scoring 79 off 65 balls, walked off the field due to cramps. This unexpected turn of events raises an essential question in cricket: Can a retired hurt player like Gill resume playing again?

Shubman Gill retired hurt due to cramp.

– Not a good news for India. pic.twitter.com/ff6IGy3PN8

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) November 15, 2023

Understanding ‘Retired Hurt’ in Cricket

The concept of ‘retired hurt’ in cricket is pivotal for understanding situations like Gill’s. It occurs when a player cannot continue batting due to illness, injury, or other unavoidable reasons. The rules allow these players to leave the field with the umpires’ and opposing captain’s approval. But does this mean the end of their participation in the match?

Summary of Can Retired Hurt Player Play Again

ICC World Cup 2023 Rules on ‘Retired Hurt’

The ICC World Cup 2023 Playing Conditions provide clarity on this matter. They state that if a batter retires due to illness, injury, or other unavoidable causes, they are entitled to resume their innings, provided they recover before their team’s innings concludes. This rule opens the door for players like Shubman Gill to make a potential return to the pitch.

Shubman Gill’s Performance and Exit

Before retiring hurt, Gill was a key player in India’s batting lineup, contributing significantly to a 93-run partnership with Virat Kohli. His exit due to cramps was a significant moment in the match, leaving fans and teammates anxious about the outcome.

The Path Back for Retired Hurt Players

For players who have retired hurt, the rules permit them to resume batting at any subsequent fall of a wicket or another player’s retirement, as long as it’s within the team’s current innings. This flexibility is crucial in maintaining the flow and fairness of the game.

Difference Between ‘Retired Out’ and ‘Retired Hurt’

It’s important to distinguish between ‘retired out’ and ‘retired hurt.’ Players who retire ‘out’ do so voluntarily without a valid reason and cannot return to bat, unlike those who retire ‘hurt’ due to unavoidable circumstances.

Real-Life Instances

Several players have been in situations similar to Gill’s. Rohit Sharma, for instance, retired hurt after a back spasm in a T20I match against West Indies in 2022, while Ravichandran Ashwin retired out in an IPL 2022 match for strategic reasons. These examples highlight the different scenarios players face regarding retirement during a game.

Conclusion

The possibility of Shubman Gill resuming play in the World Cup 2023 is a significant talking point. The ICC rules provide a clear path for players who retire hurt to return, ensuring the game’s integrity and continuity. As fans eagerly await Gill’s potential comeback, one wonders how his return could impact the game’s dynamics.

FAQs

Q: Can Shubman Gill play again in the World Cup 2023 after retiring hurt?
A: Yes, according to ICC rules, Gill can return to play if he recovers before the end of India’s innings.

Q: What does ‘retired hurt’ mean in cricket?
A refers to a player leaving the field due to illness or injury, with the option to return if they recover.

Q: Is there a difference between ‘retired hurt’ and ‘retired out’?
A: Yes, ‘retired out’ is when a player voluntarily retires without a valid reason and cannot bat again, unlike ‘retired hurt.’

Q: What happens if a player retires hurt and doesn’t return?
A: If a retired hurt player doesn’t return, they are recorded as ‘Retired – not out’ in the scorecard.