The Impact Player rule, which was implemented in 2023, gives teams the option to replace a player mid-inning in an effort to increase tactical flexibility. However, athletes like Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar, a teammate, have criticized it.
Players’ attitudes toward the impact player rule in the IPL have been all over the place, especially within the Delhi Capitals camp. The team’s seasoned all-rounder, Axar Patel, isn’t afraid to voice his displeasure, claiming that it is having an impact on his batting position.
“Whoever is in charge of the regulations believes that everything will operate to suit the batter’s schedule. It’s obvious that it’s been challenging for the bowlers. According to Axar, “I think it’s challenging, but if you have the skills, you will undoubtedly have the chance to excel in that situation.”
“Everyone receives an extra batsman under the Impact subrule, which makes them believe that they will use the batter in the event that the batting unit struggles. And knowing they have a player in seventh or eighth place, whoever shows up to play doesn’t waste any time getting started (hitting) from the first ball. As an all-rounder, I know they will either choose a proper batsman or a spinner, not an all-rounder, which is why I am not a big believer in the regulation,” he continued.
Mukesh Kumar agrees, emphasizing the unfair advantage hitters receive from the rule. He remarked that even when bowlers get wickets, the hitters don’t stop coming because they are fearless.
“What use does the Indian Premier League have for 12 players who aren’t competing at the international level? With 12 players, even if four wickets are lost, the next player will come and play their shots without fear of being out or of stabilizing the team. Therefore, he stated, either the tracks’ nature should be altered or the number of players should be limited to 12.”
Despite the opposition, some people think the rule has entertainment value. David Warner emphasizes the need for flexibility while acknowledging its significance.
“So, the game is changing, isn’t it? Thus, I believe that people are merely experimenting. You know you want to make the most of it if you have 15–16 players on the bench. Will the next ten years see significant changes to the game? Most likely, it will.
“It seems to have eliminated the all-around choice at this point. As cricket players, we’re enjoying the way we’re evolving. It’s also tactically advantageous to sit on the bench because you can insert that batter if you’re not making runs,” Warner said.
It’s been excellent from an entertainment and spectator perspective. Hussey
The Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach, Michael Hussey, acknowledged the challenge bowlers confront in batting-friendly conditions. He thought it increased the enthusiasm of onlookers, despite the difficulties.
“It’s hard for bowlers, especially if the conditions are good for batting, because the batting orders are lengthened and batsmen have more freedom to come out and continue to go hard,” he explained.
Thus, it must be an amazing sight for the spectators to watch these scores rise steadily, and it likely emphasizes ball handling skills more. We’ve placed a lot of emphasis on death bowling, especially with the Impact Player [rule], but it can be incredibly tough for bowlers at times.
“I’ve been hearing opinions about folks who support it and who don’t. It has been excellent, in my opinion, both as a spectator and as entertainment. As far as crickets go, we truly could argue until the cows come home. It’s still been quite nice, in my opinion,” he continued.
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