How was Rohit Sharma allowed to bat in second super over after retiring out in first super over?

The final match of the T20I series between India and Afghanistan witnessed unexpected drama as Rohit Sharma, having retired himself ‘out’ in the first Super Over, returned to bat in the second. Needing 17 to win in the initial Super Over, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal took the crease. Despite a nail-biting final delivery, they could only manage one run, forcing the match into a subsequent Super Over.

In the second Super Over, Rohit scored 11 runs, setting a target for Afghanistan. Despite apparent confusion and arguments from the Afghan coach, Jonathan Trott, India sealed the whitewash with two wickets in three deliveries by Ravi Bishnoi.

The controversy intensified during the post-match analysis, with former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel questioning Rohit’s second appearance in the Super Over, stating, “Rohit Sharma was retired out and yet he came out to bat in the second Super Over. He shouldn’t have because he was retired ‘out’ and not ‘hurt’. I think that’s something the umpires missed out there.”

The MCC playing conditions state that if a batter retires due to illness, injury, or any unavoidable cause, they are entitled to resume their innings. However, if a batter retires for any other reason, their innings can only be resumed with the opposing captain’s consent.

The decision to let Rohit bat again is expected to fuel further controversy, challenging the interpretation of playing conditions and cricketing norms.