IPL 2019: 5 innovative ideas that can make the tournament more interesting

#3 Strategic retirement of a batsman

Ravindra Jadeja played a slow and long innings in the World T20 match against England in 2009

The T20 format is a fast moving format. The complexion of the game changes very quickly, and the players have to be proactive and innovative in their approach.

But while the bowling team has an advantage to rotate the bowlers as per the situation of the game, the batting team does not have the luxury of replacing a batsman who struggles to get going.

A new rule could be introduced in the IPL which would enable the batting side to strategically retire a batsman if they feel that he is not meeting the demands of the situation. The batting team could be allowed to strategically retire one batsman per innings. The ‘retired’ batsman can then return any time after a fall of wicket.

The rule could also be used in such a manner that the power-hitter is allowed to bat in the fielding restrictions after which he would ‘retire’, only to come back in the slog phase of the innings. Also, a team may preserve the best batsman by ‘retiring’ him if the opposition bowlers are bowling a tough spell.