Former India Star Aakash Chopra Wants Teams To Normalize Retired-Out Tactic

Aakash Chopra said retired-out should no longer remain taboo after Arshin Kulkarni scored 17 off 24 balls vs RCB.

Lucknow Super Giants registered their first home win of IPL 2026 after defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 7 runs in a rain-affected 19-over contest at the Ekana Stadium.

Mitchell Marsh powered LSG to 209 with a stunning 111, reaching his fifty in only 20 balls. He dominated a 95-run opening stand while partner Arshin Kulkarni struggled for rhythm at the other end. Kulkarni managed only 17 runs from 24 deliveries before Krunal Pandya dismissed him.

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Former India batter Aakash Chopra later questioned LSG’s decision to continue with Kulkarni despite the slow scoring rate. Chopra suggested that retiring batters out should become more acceptable in modern T20 cricket.

“Arshin Kulkarni made 17 runs in 24 balls, which is basically four overs. Retiring a batter out shouldn’t be taboo anymore. Just as when a bowler is removed form the rotation during a bad spell, the same should be extended to a batter who isn’t able to connect despite genuine attempts,” Chopra said.

“The overs are limited and the sides need to make the most of it, and I think LSG missed a trick there,” he added.

Mitchell Marsh Sets LSG Up to a Win

In the match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants in a rain-hit IPL 2026 match. Mitchell Marsh tore apart the bowling attack with a sensational 111 off 56 balls.

Rain interrupted the innings twice, including once near the 9th over, but Marsh continued his assault after every break. He added quick runs alongside Nicholas Pooran, who smashed 38 off 23. LSG reached 145/1 in 14 overs before another stoppage reduced the game to 19 overs per side. Marsh later fell to Josh Hazlewood, while captain Rishabh Pant blasted an unbeaten 32 from only 10 balls to lift LSG to 209/3.

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Chasing a revised DLS target of 213 in 124 balls, RCB lost Virat Kohli for a duck and slipped early. Rajat Patidar fought back with 61 off 31, while Tim David hammered 40 off 17. However, Prince Yadav claimed 3 wickets, and LSG sealed a 9-run win.