The ‘Impact Player’ rule in the IPL tournament has sparked considerable debate, with former players expressing conflicting opinions. Within the Delhi Capitals team, there are also divided views. Sourav Ganguly supports the rule, while Ricky Ponting opposes it.
The ‘Impact Player’ rule, introduced in IPL 2024, has generated controversy. Many former cricketers and pundits have weighed in, including former Indian team coach Ravi Shastri, who supports the rule. Sourav Ganguly, former BCCI president and current Delhi Capitals team director, also believes the rule benefits players. However, the team’s head coach, Ricky Ponting, disagrees, suggesting that high scores in IPL matches will persist even without the rule.
The ‘Impact Player’ rule allows teams to replace any player from the starting XI at any point during a match. Opinions are divided, with Indian captain Rohit Sharma criticizing the rule for its negative impact on all-rounders, who may not get a chance to bowl.
Ricky Ponting, speaking at the launch of Delhi Capitals batting coach Praveen Amre’s autobiography ‘Zero for 5: The Thrilling Cricket Journey of Praveen Amre,’ expressed skepticism about the rule. He questioned whether the rule’s implementation would remain in the IPL and whether it would affect scoring patterns.
Ponting noted, ‘Yes, the impact player offers some relief to top-order players. But I think top-order batsmen are used to playing in a certain way. Asking players like Jake Fraser-McGurk or Travis Head to change their approach isn’t feasible.’
The ‘Impact Player’ rule was introduced in 2023. Since then, scores of 200 or more runs have been achieved 36 times in the IPL this year, compared to 37 times last year. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah mentioned that the rule might be reconsidered after the IPL if stakeholders desire it.
Discussing the evolution of the game over the last decade, Ponting observed, ‘There is less space for traditional technique batsmen. Look at how England plays now; their players have extensive experience in ODI or T20 cricket. There is still room for traditional style batsmen in Test cricket, but even that format has seen more aggression.’
Ponting highlighted, ‘Indian superstar Virat Kohli and England’s Joe Root are among the top traditional technique batsmen. There hasn’t been much classic batting by modern batsmen in the last 10 years. Joe Root is probably the most traditional style cricketer. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have unique styles, and while Virat Kohli is traditionally and technically strong, his technique has also evolved.’
