The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) saw a moment that sparked widespread discussion when UP Warriorz batter Harleen Deol was tactically retired out at 47 runs against Delhi Capitals.
The decision, taken by head coach Abhishek Nayar in the 17th over, was aimed at increasing the scoring rate in the final overs by sending in power-hitters.
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At the time of her retirement, Deol was batting on 47 off 36 balls and looked set for a half-century. The move did not produce the desired result. UP Warriorz suffered a late collapse and finished on 154 for 8. Delhi Capitals chased the target comfortably, winning the match by seven wickets. Deol’s 47 turned out to be the second-highest score of the innings, highlighting how difficult batting had been on the day.
Screenshots from the match, showing the live score when Deol walked off and the final scorecard, quickly circulated on social media. Fans and experts questioned whether the timing of the decision disrupted the team’s momentum. Some felt the call denied Deol a deserved milestone, while others defended it as a team-first approach.
After the match, Abhishek Nayar explained the thinking behind the move. He said the focus was on roles rather than personal achievements and believed the team could add 30 to 40 extra runs by bringing in hitters for the death overs. Nayar also spoke highly of Deol’s attitude, saying she has always put the team ahead of herself and is being developed as both a touch player and a power hitter.
Harleen Deol responded to the criticism in the best possible way with her bat. In the very next match against Mumbai Indians, she played a match-winning knock of 64 not out off 39 balls while chasing. Her innings guided UP Warriorz to victory and shifted the narrative from controversy to redemption.
The incident is also significant because tactical “retired out” decisions are new to the WPL. The 2026 season is the first time this strategy has been used in the league. Gujarat Giants’ Ayushi Soni was the first player to be retired out earlier in the season, making Deol the second.
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As women’s cricket continues to evolve, bold tactical calls like these are likely to become more common. Harleen Deol’s strong comeback shows that while such decisions can be controversial, they can also push players to respond with confidence and maturity.
