Former India coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his support for the controversial Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that it has contributed to a series of thrilling finishes in the tournament. The rule, which allows teams to bring in a 12th player at any point in a match to replace a player from the original XI, has faced criticism from some current players and coaches. Explore the rule’s implications and how it enhances the game, showcasing the IPL’s innovation in cricket
Shastri, speaking on R Ashwin’s Youtube channel, emphasized the need to “evolve with the times,” comparing the rule to innovations in other sports that have led to tighter finishes. He highlighted the high number of close matches in last year’s IPL as evidence of the rule’s positive impact on the game.
While acknowledging that some players, like India captain Rohit Sharma, have expressed concerns about the rule’s impact on the development of all-rounders, Shastri pointed to success stories like Dhruv Jurel, who made his IPL debut as an Impact Player in 2023 and went on to debut for India in Test cricket within a year.
Ravi Shastri said
“In time, when you see the scores – 200 and 190 – and then like you mentioned individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it,” Shastri remarked, suggesting that the rule has added excitement and competitiveness to the IPL.
The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL in 2023 after being trialed in the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament, allows teams to make tactical substitutions during a match, potentially changing the course of the game. However, its future in the IPL remains uncertain, as BCCI secretary Jay Shah indicated that a decision on its continuation will be made after the 2024 T20 World Cup, following consultations with stakeholders.
Despite criticisms from players like Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar of Delhi Capitals, as well as concerns raised by coaches like Ricky Ponting, who described the rule as a “nightmare,” Shastri’s backing adds weight to the argument in favor of retaining the Impact Player rule in the IPL.
The final decision on the rule’s future will likely hinge on its perceived impact on the competitiveness and entertainment value of the tournament, factors that will be closely monitored and evaluated by the IPL stakeholders in the coming months.
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