After Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel criticises IPL's 'Impact Player' rule: Who does it really benefit?

The 'Impact Player' enthusiasts seem to be reducing every passing day. From a welcome start in 2023 to fewer takers in the following IPL season, the rule has become hugely unpopular among players.

The regulation has surely helped teams, particularly on the flatter wickets of the 2024 edition with several record-breaking totals already amassed this year. But cricketers, including Indian captain Rohit Sharma have come out with strong criticism about how the rule is harming the sport.

What is the 'Impact Player' (IP) rule?
Apart from the usual Playing XI, teams have the option of naming five substitutes. These subs can be introduced in the game anytime during the innings, like the start or an end of an over, fall of a wicket or upon a batter's retirement.

Only one subsitution is allowed per team in each match.

What does the IP rule do?
Teams assess the situation, starting with the toss to bring in the most impactful player. For fielding teams, an additional bowler might scalp a much needed wicket. But most of the benefit has been reaped by batting sides.

IPL 2024 has seen twelve 200+ scores so far, a clear indication about the fearlessness with which batters are taking to the field as a twelfth 'impact' player waits in the wings.

How has this been detrimental?
The 'need of the hour' idea behind this rule negatively impacts all-rounders, who would usually be the invisible twelfth person, with their additional skills of either batting or bowling.

The 'IP' rule does not specify the need to use specialist bowlers or batters however, that is the route teams end up taking.

In consequence, the development of all-rounders suffers.

This issue was first highlighted by Team India captain Rohit Sharma during a podcast.

'I'm not a big fan... It's going to hold back all-rounders. Cricket is played by 11, not 12. You are taking out so much from game to make it entertaining for people around. I feel guys like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar aren't getting to bowl.'

He added that the rule diminishes the importance of a balanced squad and learning to adapt to situations with the existing players.

Echoing the captain's thoughts was seasoned player Axar Patel, 'As an all-rounder, I feel that an all-rounder's role is in danger with the Impact Player rule. Every team is looking to play either a pure batter or a pure bowler as the Impact Player, and the all-rounders are not being used.'

Patel added, 'With the Impact Player, every team goes into the match thinking they have six batters or bowlers, depending on if they are batting or bowing. This also creates a lot of confusion sometimes.'

For additional context, well-known all-rounders like Rachin Ravindra, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Mahipal Lomror and Washington Sundar have collectively bowled 14 overs halfway through the 2024 season.

Will this rule be revised?
On April 20, The Telegraph quoted IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal as saying, 'Now that such an observation has been made, we will definitely look into it. We will discuss with all parties involved and then take a call.'

The statement added that IPL organisers are 'open to any discussion once the season gets over... nothing is cast in stone about its implementation'.