‘We just want a fair chance’ – Shardul Thakur criticises Impact Player rule, pitches for adverse bowling conditions

Everyone was pleased by the bowler Shardul Thakur of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who took six wickets in his opening two games against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC), respectively.

The Impact Player rule, which is used by teams to substitute a batter for a bowler in order to score runs, was questioned by the right-arm pacer, who replaced Mohsin Khan in the LSG squad. The pitches, he noted, are also unbalanced and greatly favoured by hitters, which enables them to come in and overpower the bowlers.

On behalf of all bowlers, I’m speaking. When it comes to pitch conditions, many people might not be vocal or may not have the opportunity to speak to the media. An example of a rule change is the Impact Player rule, which permits each team to field an additional batter, particularly while pursuing. Instead of favouring batters who come in and smash us, teams can now switch out a bowler for a batter in order to maintain the game fair and balanced, even when batting first. The 33-year-old bowler was quoted by The Times of India as saying, “We just want a fair chance in the game.”

In order to decide on a bowling strategy on a particular day, bowlers must meticulously plan according to pitch conditions and match circumstances, Shardul Thakur noted.

“I believe it’s all a part of the planning. Understanding your own game and figuring out how to bowl the best on a certain day are crucial. Pitch conditions, game circumstances, and the hitter at the crease all play a role. I try to provide myself with the best opportunity to perform; I’m not sure about others. I normally figure things out by evaluating the pitch and circumstances throughout the game,” he continued.

Thakur also shed light on players waiting for their opportunities and seizing them when they came. The LSG bowler revealed that he has not altered his bowling style between red-ball and white-ball cricket and simply aims to put pressure on the batters.

“No, I haven’t changed anything. I’m just playing with a lot of freedom. I want to go hard at batters if they try to come hard at me. So that’s my only mindset right now,” said Thakur.