Simon Doull Rallies For Retiring Out Virat Kohli After Slow Knock In MI vs RCB Clash

Simon Doull ignited controversy by suggesting RCB should have retired out Virat Kohli during his slow-paced knock against MI in IPL 2026.

The IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians witnessed an unusual debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s innings.

The veteran batter began confidently, scoring 20 runs off his first 11 deliveries and looking in fine touch early on. However, as the innings progressed, Mumbai Indians executed their plans effectively, restricting Kohli’s scoring rate.

Despite anchoring the innings, Kohli eventually fell for 50 off 37 balls, finishing with a strike rate of 131.58. While the knock contributed to the team’s total, it lacked the acceleration expected in the latter stages of a T20 innings, especially with power-hitters waiting in the dugout.

Simon Doull’s Bold ‘Retired Out’ Suggestion For Virat Kohli

During the innings, former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull stirred controversy with a bold tactical suggestion. As Rajat Patidar launched a counterattack from the other end, smashing 53 off just 20 balls, Doull proposed a drastic move.

“Patidar should give a message to Virat saying get on with it, or we might have to sub you out,” he said on air.

His remark quickly became a talking point, as it questioned whether RCB could have benefited from replacing Kohli with a more aggressive finisher like Tim David during the crucial phase.

The Growing Trend of ‘Retired Out’ in T20 Cricket

The concept of retiring a batter tactically has become increasingly common in T20 cricket. Unlike a ‘retired hurt’ scenario, a ‘retired out’ batter cannot return to bat later in the innings. The strategy is often used to maximize scoring potential when a batter struggles to accelerate.

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Interestingly, Chennai Super Kings recently used this tactic by retiring Ayush Mhatre to bring in Shivam Dube, a move that paid off. However, the idea still carries a stigma, with many viewing it as a lack of faith in the batter’s ability.

Doull’s suggestion has reignited the debate around whether teams should prioritize ruthless decision-making over reputation, especially in high-pressure T20 contests.