Explained: What's the difference between 'Retired Hurt' and 'Retired Out'?

CSK's Devon Conway was retired out against Punjab Kings. (AP Photo)

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During the IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, CSK made a tactical decision to retire out opener Devon Conway Batting on 69 off 49 balls, Conway left the crease in the 18th over, replaced by Ravindra Jadeja , with CSK needing 49 runs from 13 balls to chase down a 220-run target. The decision was tactical — not injury-related — but CSK fell short, losing by 18 runs.This was the second instance this IPL season of a player being retired out, following Mumbai Indians' use of the same move with Tilak Varma against Lucknow Super Giants . So, what exactly does retired out mean, and how is it different from the more common term retired hurt ?In cricket, a batter who leaves the field due to injury or illness is deemed retired hurt (also known as retired – not out). Crucially, they can return later in the innings — if fit and if their team hasn't lost all its wickets. Statistically, they are not considered out, and their innings continues if they return.In contrast, the retired out is a strategic decision. The batter voluntarily leaves the field — not because of injury — and cannot return to bat again. It's essentially a self-declared dismissal, used to bring in a new batter who may better suit the match situation.While rare, these tactical moves are now gaining attention, adding a new layer to T20 strategy and forcing fans and broadcasters to rethink the term “retired.”

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