Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
In a recent statement, India’s star cricket captain Rohit Sharma voiced his disapproval of the new “Impact Player” rule that has been introduced in several domestic and international cricket tournaments. The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during a match, with the new player able to bat, bowl, or field immediately.
Sharma stated, “I’m not a big fan of the Impact sub rule. It is going to hold all-rounders back, eventually cricket is played by 11 players not 12 players. You are taking out so much from the game to make it entertaining for people around.”
The Indian skipper’s main concern seems to be that the new rule will negatively impact all-rounders, who are vital components of any well-rounded cricket team. With the ability to substitute a player, teams may be less inclined to select genuine all-rounders, who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Sharma also highlighted the case of players like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar, who may see fewer opportunities to showcase their all-round skills. “Guys like Dube & Sundar aren’t getting to bowl,” he lamented.
The Impact Player rule has been implemented in tournaments such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in India, as well as the Big Bash League in Australia. The goal of the rule is to add an extra tactical element to the game and make matches more unpredictable and exciting for viewers.
However, Rohit Sharma’s comments suggest that the rule may have unintended consequences that could undermine the traditional balance and dynamics of cricket teams. As a seasoned and respected leader in the sport, his views on this matter will surely carry significant weight within the cricket community.
It remains to be seen whether the cricket authorities will take Sharma’s feedback into consideration and potentially revisit or refine the Impact Player rule going forward. The debate around this new innovation in the sport is sure to continue as the cricket world grapples with finding the right balance between innovation and preserving the core essence of the game.
