Since when did T20 cricket turn into a ride-share app? Because that’s exactly what it felt like when Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings hit the “retire out” button on set batters—Tilak Varma and Devon Conway—mid-innings. Both were scoring steadily, both were looking settled, and both were pulled off like they’d missed a turn.
Enter Mohammad Kaif. Calm? Not even close. The former India cricketer turned commentator went full bouncer-mode on this trend. “This isn’t innovation. This is frustration,” he said, calling out the strategy for what it really is: panic disguised as planning.
Kaif reminded fans of one of the IPL’s most iconic redemption arcs—Rahul Tewatia in 2020. The man crawled to 8 off 19 balls, got booed on Twitter, then exploded with five sixes in one over. The lesson? Struggles are sometimes just slow-burners before fireworks. But in 2025, teams seem more interested in instant gratification than trusting the process.
Mumbai wanted a finisher, so they sent Varma back with 24 needed off 7. CSK did the same with Conway needing 49 off 13. The result? Both teams lost. No miracle came. No masterstroke unfolded. Just... silence.
Cricket has always been a game of patience meeting power. Of trusting the batter who’s seen the pitch, felt the pressure, and is ready to flip the script. But now? Teams are treating matches like microwave meals—quick, hot, but rarely satisfying.
Kaif’s words sting because they’re true. You don’t replace a soldier mid-battle just because he hasn’t fired yet. Especially not when he’s still holding the gun.
So here’s the final word:
Retiring out a batter might look smart on a spreadsheet. But on the field, under pressure, you don’t sub out belief. You let it fight. You let it finish.
Because in cricket—and in life—the comeback always needs a little time.
