The Impact Player rule in the IPL has stirred significant debate within the cricketing community, and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has voiced his disapproval of the rule. Introduced as a modified version of the ‘Super Sub’ rule seen in ODIs, the Impact Player rule has sparked discussions, particularly concerning its impact on the role of all-rounders in the game.

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Mumbai Indians, expressed his concerns about the rule’s implications during a conversation with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. He highlighted his belief that the rule, while aimed at enhancing the entertainment factor for viewers, could potentially hinder the sport’s growth.

“I don’t know what you can do about it, but I’m not a fan of it, honestly speaking,” Rohit Sharma stated. “I genuinely feel that it is going to hold it back because eventually cricket is played by eleven players, not twelve players.”

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Rohit Sharma’s apprehension revolves around the diminishing value of all-rounders, a trend exacerbated by the Impact Player rule. He emphasized the importance of multi-discipline players who contribute across various aspects of the game. With niche role players thriving under the new rule, there’s a risk of players becoming one-dimensional, which could impact the depth and versatility of national teams.

The rule allows teams to select an Impact Player, who can be substituted into the game at any point. While it adds an element of strategy and entertainment, Rohit believes it detracts from the essence of cricket. He cited examples like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube, who are skilled all-rounders but may not get opportunities to bowl due to the rule’s dynamics.

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“It is entertaining because, you know, there are obviously twelve players for you to select from and whoever that impact player is, you can see how the game is going and change it later depending on what you need, what the pitch is behaving,” Rohit Sharma explained.

In essence, while the Impact Player rule aims to enhance the excitement of the game, Rohit Sharma’s concerns highlight potential drawbacks, particularly regarding the development of well-rounded cricketers and the balance of the sport.