IPL 2023 Impact Player: Experts and Captains Give A Thumbs Up For New Rule

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Bengaluru, April 1: The 'Impact Player' in the TATA IPL 2023 has garnered everyone's attention since the day BCCI announced its introduction in this edition following a trial in the domestic circuit.

In the opening match of TATA IPL 2023 between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, one thing that was on everyone's mind was how the teams are going to use it and who will be the designated 'impact players'.

Under the newly-introduced 'Impact Player' rule, a batter or bowler can be replaced in the middle of the game as per the match situation, to make it more exciting.

While teams in IPL are taking nascent steps on how to ace it, the experts, meanwhile, have given thumbs up to the 'Impact Player' on Star Sports, the official TV broadcasters of TATA IPL.

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar gave his thumbs up to the new rule introduced by the BCCI as it has increased the curiosity quotient of everyone involved in the IPL. The legendary India cricketer believes the teams might need some time to ace this new rule.

"You need some time to understand new rules and acclimatise with new playing conditions. The same will be the case with all ten teams in the TATA IPL 2023. They will need some time to ace it," Gavaskar told exclusively when speaking to Star Sports.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, meanwhile, lauded the think tank in TATA IPL for coming up with this innovative rule as it gives the team a chance to correct an error in selection.

"It's a very innovative move as you can now replace a player whom you feel is not suitable or has served his purpose with someone who can make an impact in the current playing conditions. So, kudos to BCCI, it's a very good rule," Harbhajan said.

While experts were on the same page, the two captains had different views, but agreed that it really helps reduce the over dependence on all-rounders when you can play a specialist for a required role.

Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni felt that having an impact player is a luxury for the team. According to the ace captain, the new rule makes decision making easier.

"It's a luxury to have (impact players). It becomes slightly easy to take the decision because you can use it at any time," Dhoni said at the toss for the tournament opener between CSK and Gujarat Titans.

But the World Cup-winning captain feels the rule will reduce the role of an all-rounder in the team. "Influence of all-rounders has become slightly less because of the rule," Dhoni added.

Tushar Deshpande of CSK became the first player to be played under the Impact Player rule as the pacer replaced batter Ambati Rayudu when Dhoni-led side took to the field to defend 178.

B Sai Sudarshan was the second player to be brought in under the impact player rule by Gujarat Titans, who chased down the target of 179 in the final over.

Sai Sudarshan replaced Kane Williamson, who injured himself trying to save a six on the boundary ropes. He is likely to miss the tournament now. GT skipper Hardik Pandya, however, feels the new rule gives him more head ache.

"Having this impact rule makes my job difficult. I have too many options, and because of this someone will bowl less," the Titans captain said after the match.