IPL 2024: Virat Kohli echoes Rohit Sharma's sentiments, says Impact Player rule is disrupting balance

Echoing the sentiments of India skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli has voiced his criticism of the Impact Player rule, asserting that it disrupts the balance of the game. This rule, which was introduced in the previous edition of the IPL, has been contentious, with Rohit expressing his displeasure in a podcast last month.

Kohli has now joined the chorus, calling for a reassessment of the rule. "I agree with Rohit. Entertainment is one aspect of the game but there is no balance," Kohli stated on Jio Cinema. "I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me," he added.

In a podcast earlier, Rohit had remarked, "I'm not a big fan... It's going to hold back all-rounders. Cricket is played by 11, not 12 (players)." The controversy around the rule intensified when Punjab Kings set the record for the highest successful chase in T20 history, overhauling Kolkata Knight Riders' 262 with eight balls to spare. Additionally, Sunrisers Hyderabad smashed the record for the highest-ever total in franchise cricket by posting 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

This season has seen eight 250-plus totals, leaving bowlers in a tough spot. "Bowlers are feeling like what they should do," Kohli noted. "I have never experienced anything like it where bowlers think they will concede four or a six on every ball. Not every team has a Bumrah (Jasprit) or the mystery of Rashid Khan," he said.

Kohli further elaborated on the impact of the rule, stating, "I am telling you, with one extra batter there is a reason I am playing with 200-plus strike rate in the powerplays. I know there is a batsman waiting at No. 8 as well. We are playing a high level of cricket and it should not be that dominant in my opinion. There is a beauty about having an equal balance between bat and ball."

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has described the Impact Player rule as a "test case," aimed at providing opportunities for two Indian players in a game. He has also indicated that the rule's future will be reviewed with input from various stakeholders.

"I am sure Jay (Shah) bhai has mentioned it already that they will review it and I am sure that they will come to a conclusion which brings the game into balance," Kohli expressed. "As a batsman, I can say this rule is good but the match should be exciting. Only fours and sixes are not exciting in cricket. Exciting is that you can defend 160 as well,” Kohli concluded.