Impact Player Rule in IPL: Ravi Shastri speaks out in support amid mixed reactions

The "Impact Player" rule has been a hot topic of discussion in the ongoing IPL season. While it has faced sharp criticism, notable figures like former India coach Ravi Shastri has come out in support of the rule while speaking to Ravichandran Ashwin, asserting that it leads to more exciting and close finishes.

Implemented in the previous season, the Impact Player rule has sparked debates among experts and players this edition. Some argue that the rule might render all-rounders obsolete. However, Shastri believes that such skepticism is common with any new rule. "When any new rule comes in, there will be people who will try to justify why that's not right," Shastri said.

He further explained that with time, as people observe high scores and individual performances benefiting from the rule, their perspectives might change. Shastri emphasized the necessity for the game to evolve, saying, "The Impact Player (rule) is good. You have to evolve with the times. It happens in other sports as well. It's got tighter finishes."

On Ashwin's YouTube channel, Shastri elaborated on the positive effects of the rule, highlighting the increased number of tight finishes in last year's IPL as evidence of its impact. "I think it's a good rule. You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year's IPL. So, it has made a big difference," he noted.

Adding to the conversation, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently clarified that the Impact Player rule is not set in stone. He described it as a test case, slowly implemented to assess its benefits. One of the significant advantages, according to Shah, is that it provides opportunities for two additional Indian players in each game, which he considers crucial.

"We will consult with the players, franchises, broadcasters (and take a call). This is not permanent, (but) I am not saying that it will go. (We'll see) if it's making the game more competitive or not. Even then, if a player feels that this is not right, then we will talk to them. But no one has told us anything yet. So, it will be decided after the World Cup," Shah explained.

However, not everyone is in favor of the rule. India skipper Rohit Sharma, along with Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar, have expressed their displeasure. Rohit Sharma articulated his concerns about the rule's potential impact on the development of all-rounders. "I genuinely feel it is going to hold back the development of all-rounders because eventually cricket is played by 11 players, not 12," Rohit had said a couple of weeks back.

He added, "So, I am not a big fan of the Impact Player rule because you are taking so much from the game just to make it a little more entertaining for the people around you."

Ambati Rayudu points out key difference between successful and unsuccessful IPL teams

(With PTI inputs)