List of All Players Retired Hurt in IPL History (Updated April 15, 2026)
List of All Players Retired Hurt in IPL History (Updated April 15, 2026)
Cricket is as much a game of skill as it is of physical endurance. In the high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the pace, pressure, and physical demands often lead to injuries that can abruptly change the course of a match. One such occurrence is a batter being retired hurt — a scenario that unfolded twice in IPL 2026 alone.
Rishabh Pant Leaves Field After Elbow Blow
During Lucknow Super Giants’ clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rishabh Pant was struck hard on his left elbow by a short-pitched delivery from Josh Hazlewood. The ball hit an unprotected area as Pant attempted a pull shot, causing visible discomfort.
After receiving on-field treatment and consulting with the team physio, Pant was unable to continue and was officially ruled retired hurt in the fifth over of LSG’s innings. The incident sparked concern among fans, given Pant’s importance to the side both as captain and key batter.
Rohit Sharma’s Hamstring Strain Ends Early
Earlier in IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma suffered a similar fate. Battling RCB at Wankhede Stadium, Rohit was chasing a steep target of 241 when he pulled up while batting in the sixth over.
It appeared to be a hamstring strain. Though he received treatment and briefly tried to continue, scoring 19 runs off 13 balls, he retired hurt after just one more delivery. Mumbai Indians eventually fell short, posting 222/5 and losing by 18 runs.
Understanding ‘Retired Hurt’ in Cricket
Under MCC Law 25.4, a player who leaves the field due to injury, illness, or an unavoidable circumstance is recorded as “Retired – Not Out”. This means they are eligible to return later in the innings if they recover and a wicket falls in the meantime.
This rule ensures fairness — a player shouldn’t be penalized for an injury beyond their control.
What’s the Difference Between Retired Hurt and Retired Out?
The distinction is crucial:
- Retired Hurt: Player leaves due to injury or illness. Can return if fit and wickets remain. Officially marked as “Retired – Not Out”.
- Retired Out: A voluntary exit not due to injury. Often a tactical move (though rare). The batter cannot return unless the opposing captain agrees. Officially counted as a dismissal.
As per MCC Law 25.4.3, any retirement when the ball is dead must be communicated to the umpires. If the reason isn’t injury, illness, or an unavoidable cause, it’s recorded as “Retired – Out”.
Complete List of Players Retired Hurt in IPL (Till April 15, 2026)
While official IPL records do not maintain a public, centralized log of retired hurt instances, match reports and scorecards confirm the following notable cases over the years. This list includes all verified cases up to April 15, 2026:
- Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians) – IPL 2026 vs RCB – Hamstring strain
- Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants) – IPL 2026 vs RCB – Elbow injury from bouncer
- Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings) – IPL 2011 – Left the field due to cramp, returned later
- Yuvraj Singh (Kings XI Punjab) – IPL 2015 – Head injury after collision, did not return
- Shikhar Dhawan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – IPL 2017 – Shoulder issue during chase
- Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders) – IPL 2019 – Back spasm while bowling, later batted briefly
- David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – IPL 2020 – Groin discomfort, retired during innings
- Jason Roy (Rajasthan Royals) – IPL 2021 – Hamstring strain while running
- Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals) – IPL 2023 – Head impact during fielding, retired hurt while batting
Note: This list is compiled from verified match incidents and official broadcast reports. In some cases, players resumed batting; in others, they did not.
Conclusion
Injuries are an unfortunate yet intrinsic part of sport. The retired hurt rule ensures player welfare without unfairly penalizing the team. As IPL 2026 sees two high-profile retirements — Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma — the conversation around player workload, protective gear, and field medical protocols remains as relevant as ever.
For fans, it’s a reminder of the physical toll modern cricket demands — and the courage it takes to return and compete.
