PBKS Star Prabhsimran Singh Backs Impact Sub Rule, Says MS Dhoni Is His Wicketkeeping Inspiration

Punjab Kings power-hitter Prabhsimran Singh has thrown his full support behind the Impact Sub rule, saying it offers young players a crucial lifeline and a golden chance to prove themselves in the IPL. The youngster also shared that he consciously looks to model his wicketkeeping style on former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The Impact Sub rule has drawn criticism from several cricket experts, who argue that it tilts the balance heavily in favour of batters, reduces the value of all-rounders, and contributes to soaring totals. However, Prabhsimran believes the rule benefits emerging players.

"As a youngster, I see the Impact Sub rule as a great opportunity for young players, and I have said this several times. Many don't like it because, obviously, a team can take more high-risk decisions when a player - be it a batter or bowler - is added to the side," Prabhsimran said during a media interaction.

"But for young players, it's invaluable. When I joined the (PBKS) franchise, I spent eight years with them, and for four of those years, I didn't get many chances to play. Sitting on the sidelines, I always hoped for an opportunity, and now, because of the Impact Sub rule, I feel the opportunities for youngsters have increased significantly," added the top-order batter, who scored over 500 runs in the last IPL season.

With India boasting several top-order wicketkeeper-batters such as KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, and Ishan Kishan, Prabhsimran was asked whether he tries to emulate any of them or prefers to stick to his own approach. He clarified that while he respects all his seniors, Dhoni remains his primary influence behind the stumps.

"You cannot say I try to copy anyone... they are all my seniors, and each has their own style of play, while I have mine. Now that I am keeping as well, I have watched Mahi bhai's keeping - his hands are so fast.

"I don't try to copy anyone in batting, but when it comes to keeping, I consciously make an effort to be like Mahi bhai."

Prabhsimran, who has spent eight years with the Punjab franchise, has established himself over the past couple of seasons as their go-to opener for explosive starts. He believes the powerplay has now become the phase where teams aggressively set the tone for 200-plus totals, which are increasingly becoming common.

"The game has become so fast that earlier, scores of 170-180 were defendable, and even today that can happen, but when you look at the numbers, 200-plus scores are increasingly becoming the norm. To reach 200-plus, I feel the powerplay has to be approached with an attacking mindset.

"Clarity from the team - coach and captain - is crucial in deciding whether we should go all out, and with that clarity, scoring 250 isn't very difficult. Clarity of thought is key, because to post or chase 200, you have to play high-risk cricket," said the Punjab batter, who, like India opener Abhishek Sharma, also seeks guidance from World Cup-winning star Yuvraj Singh.

"With Yuvi paaji, the relationship isn't like coach and student... it's more like an elder brother. Whenever Priyansh Arya and I get time, we call him and request guidance, and he arranges training sessions either in Mohali or Gurgaon. We even have the freedom to call him and disturb him at 3 or 4 in the morning."

Speaking about his ambition to represent India and seeing close friend Abhishek Sharma make it to the senior side, the 25-year-old said sustained effort remains the key.

"The level of competition for an India berth means you have to push yourself even harder - less effort simply won't suffice. There is immense competition, but if you take it positively as healthy competition, it helps you grow. That chance (to play in senior team) will come, but I'll need to keep raising the bar.

"With Abhishek Sharma, we share a very close bond and have played a lot of cricket together. It feels great to see someone you've played with succeed, and I always wish the best for him in both good and tough phases. At the same time, it creates a healthy drive within me - my partner has made it to India, and now it's my turn," said Prabhsimran.