R Ashwin says IPL 2024 has seen high scores due to batters' ability, not Impact Player rule

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's premier spinners, believes that the remarkable scoring feats in the current IPL season cannot be solely attributed to the impact player rule. Instead, he credits the evolution of batting techniques and the confidence of modern batters as primary factors.

This IPL season has been extraordinary in terms of batting records. Teams have surpassed the 200-run mark an astounding 41 times, with the 250-run barrier being broken on eight occasions during the league stage. The record for the highest team total in IPL history, 287 runs, was also set in this edition.

"Even if the impact player rule wasn't there, scores would be this high," Ashwin stated during an interview on JioCinema Match Centre Live, following their four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL Eliminator. "In my opinion, batters have more confidence and pitches everywhere have been standardized."

Ashwin also emphasized the growing need for bowlers to develop their batting skills to stay relevant in the evolving game. "In the future, all bowlers will need to be hitters because we know that no matter how well we bowl, we also need to be able to bat. The game is headed in that direction," he added.

While the impact player rule has sparked debate, with Indian captain Rohit Sharma criticizing it for potentially hindering the development of all-rounders, and Virat Kohli suggesting it disrupts the game's balance, Ashwin remains focused on the broader trends in cricket. The rule, introduced formally in the 2023 IPL after a trial in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, was intended to provide strategic flexibility to teams. However, its future remains uncertain. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah mentioned that the rule is being tested and is not a permanent fixture, and further discussions with stakeholders will be necessary before a final decision is made.

Reflecting on his own performance this season, Ashwin noted that his tournament had two distinct phases. After a demanding five-match home Test series against England, where he was the leading wicket-taker in India's 4-1 victory, he faced physical challenges. "My tournament has gone in two halves. The first half was coming off the Test series, so my body didn't feel fresh. My arm speed wasn't there, and I also had an injury, an abdomen tear. I played through the injury but didn't get much bowling time or repetitions."

Ashwin's persistence paid off as he found his rhythm towards the latter part of the season. His match-winning performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he took 2/19 and was named man-of-the-match, exemplified his resurgence. "I am someone who depends on bowling repetitions. Over the last 6-7 games, I feel like my rhythm came back. I was able to bowl off-spin. I changed my action slightly. My plan was simple. I came with a single-minded focus on changing the line and length of my deliveries, and it was executed well."

Additionally, Ashwin praised the growth and maturity of young Assam batter Riyan Parag, who has shown significant improvement since debuting as a teenager in 2019. "It’s important to give batters, especially junior batters, role clarity. Riyan came into the team as a 17-year-old child, and he's matured over the years, getting role clarity for the first time this season. I never doubted his ability. The shot he hit over the covers tonight, not many batters can hit that. Based on his talent and how his season has gone, I think he can reach wherever he wants to."