Rohit Sharma came out all guns blazing after winning the toss against New Zealand in the second semi-final of the 2023 World Cup, at the Wankhede Stadium.

Rohit slammed 47 in 29 with four fours and four sixes, becoming the first to hit 50 sixes in the history of the competition. After Tim Southee claimed him, Virat Kohli settled down, and Rohit’s opening partner Shubman Gill took the charge to the New Zealand camp.

Gill was on 21 from 21 balls when the first wicket fell, with three fours. From the next 44, he scored another 58, hitting three sixes and five more boundaries in the process.

After 21 overs, substitute fielder R Ashwin ran in with drinks, and Gill popped some medicines. The 22nd over was largely eventless, and Mitchell Santner came to bowl the 23rd. Kohli and Gill ran a single each before Kohli put the third ball away for four, and ran another single off the fourth.

At this point, Gill summoned the team physiotherapist. He received some treatment before retiring hurt. From the pavilion, Rohit was seen summoning him inside.

Clause 25.4.2 of the ICC Playing Conditions for the 2023 Men’s World Cup states: “If a batter retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, that batter is entitled to resume his innings. If for any reason this does not happen, that batter is to be recorded as ‘Retired – not out’.

25.4.4 adds: “If after retiring a batter resumes his innings, subject to the requirements of clauses 25.4.2 and 25.4.3, it shall be only at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of another batter.”

In other words, if Gill wants to, he will be allowed to resume his innings – but only at the fall of a wicket or if another batter retires.

At the time of writing, India were 178-1 in 25 overs with Kohli (45) and Shreyas Iyer (4) at the crease.