Cricket players display their unrelenting dedication as they showcase their skills in the exhilarating Indian Premier League. Even in the middle of the explosive shows, there have been times when injured players had to retire with injuries. This piece explores the history of the IPL to bring out ten accounts of players who, facing physical difficulties, were forced to leave the pitch against their will. These athletes, who ranged from legends to up-and-coming stars, showed fortitude in the face of difficulty yet had to give in to the terrible reality of sports injury. The physical toll the game has on players can eclipse even the greatest of moments.
1. Dominic Thornley
Australian batsman Dominic Thornley took to the crease at number three following Luke Ronchi's dismissal. However, his innings was cut short after facing only five deliveries when a menacing bouncer from Zaheer Khan struck him on the helmet grill, forcing Thornley to retire hurt. He became the first man ever in IPL to get retired hurt.
2. VVS Laxman
The Deccan Chargers faced the setback of losing VVS Laxman; the star batter's departure was not due to the bowlers but an unfortunate incident. Laxman was compelled to retire hurt after an accidental blow to his wrist caused by a stray throw from Shalabh Srivastava. However, the Chargers recovered well and won the match by six runs.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
In the ninth over, Sachin Tendulkar, batting at 15, encountered a challenging delivery from Bollinger on the fifth ball. The short ball, affected by the uneven patches on the pitch, unexpectedly climbed, causing discomfort as it struck Tendulkar on the glove. Despite the discomfort, the cricket legend faced the next delivery and managed a single, bringing his score to 16. However, as the over concluded, Tendulkar sought medical assistance. Reluctantly, after receiving advice to retire hurt, he returned to the dugout, visibly in pain.
4. Aaron Finch
Finch had to make the difficult decision to retire hurt on a score of 10, following an unfortunate left hamstring injury sustained while completing a single. Affected by the pain, the opening batsman had to be assisted off the field by the support staff of the Mumbai Indians team. He was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season.
5. Kevin Pietersen
In the Rising Pune Supergiants' match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pietersen had a brief appearance, facing just one ball. Unfortunately, he had to retire hurt due to a muscle injury sustained while making a quick turn back to the crease, canceling an attempted single. This incident not only cut short his time in the game but also ruled him out for the rest of the season.
6. Shikhar Dhawan
Pursuing their target, Shikhar Dhawan faced a challenging moment when a rising delivery from Barinder Sran struck him on the elbow. The left-handed batsman expressed his discomfort audibly, and after facing just one delivery, he had to retire hurt. This untimely injury dealt a significant blow to the Sunrisers' chances, casting a shadow over their chase of a demanding target from which they struggled to recover.
7. Ambati Rayudu
Amidst Chennai's struggle with the top-order collapse during the powerplay, Rayudu became a pivotal figure expected to stabilize the innings. However, a blow to his left elbow from Adam Milne's delivery forced him to leave the field accompanied by the team physio. The impact left Rayudu visibly uncomfortable, adding to Chennai's batting challenges on a night filled with events.
8. Rahul Tripathi
After being dropped by Mohammed Shami at third man in the 13th over, Tripathi seized the opportunity by smashing a six off Rahul Tewatia's first delivery in the following over. However, in the process, he ended up injuring himself again. This led to another medical delay, tactically utilized as a strategic timeout. By the end of this interval, Nicholas Pooran stepped in as Tripathi's replacement to bat for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite contributing 17 runs off 11 balls, including a four and a six, Tripathi had to leave the field due to a calf issue.
9. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
In an IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, Punjab Kings batter Bhanuka Rajapaksha had to retire hurt due to a powerful drive from Shikhar Dhawan that struck him above the wristband of his left hand. This unfortunate incident occurred in the 11th over of Punjab's innings while RR spinner R Ashwin was bowling, adding a challenging twist to the match for Punjab Kings.
10. Krunal Pandya
Pandya showcased an exemplary captain's innings in the middle, remaining unbeaten on 49* off 42 balls. He formed a commendable 82-run partnership with Marcus Stoinis for the fourth wicket, facing 59 balls. However, he was battling cramps and unable to run smoothly; the LSG captain decided to retire hurt after 16 overs, with Lucknow's score at 117/3.
