Harleen Deol Retired Out Controversy Explained: Coach Abhishek Nair Defends His Decision

New Delhi: The cricketing world was abuzz after Uttar Pradesh Warriors’ head coach Abhishek Nair made the controversial decision to retire out star batter Harleen Deol during their WPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals two days ago. The team went on to lose that match, sparking widespread debate.

Nair has now defended his decision, explaining that it was made with careful consideration. Harleen, who was unbeaten on 47 runs off 36 balls and just three runs short of her fifty with three overs remaining, was asked to retire out to give the team a tactical advantage. While Harleen was initially unhappy with the move, she responded brilliantly in the very next match.

Against two-time champions Mumbai Indians, Harleen played a match-winning knock of 64 runs off 39 balls, including 12 fours, guiding UP Warriors to a comfortable victory by chasing 162 with 11 balls and 7 wickets to spare.

Coach Nair Speaks:
“This was not a sudden decision,” Nair told the media after the win against Mumbai Indians. “Discussions about this strategy had started from the 12th over, and Meg Lanning was informed to coordinate with Harleen. We had already told her that if certain conditions weren’t met by the 16th and 17th overs, we would make the change. By the 17th over, we felt the team had the power to make this move, and we wanted to ensure she got every opportunity in the game. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but looking back, the entire team felt it was the right call.”

Nair emphasized Harleen’s team-first mindset: “Harleen is a true team player. She always prioritizes the team above herself. This discussion was only to ensure she was comfortable and not stressed by the retired out decision. The intent was to increase the batting tempo.”

Despite the previous controversy, Harleen’s stellar performance against Mumbai Indians silenced critics and reinforced her status as a match-winner for UP Warriors. The team, however, remains at the bottom of the points table and will face Mumbai Indians again on Saturday.