The world’s most premium cricket league, IPL, has evolved over the years, and cricket has also gained a modern taste with new players coming and hitting the balls freely. A score of 200+ has become the new par; nightmares for bowlers are the new normal. In the last game between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, one of the best T20I bowlers in the world, Arshdeep Singh, conceded 68 runs, taking one wicket. A fearless approach among cricketers has become one of the most exciting elements of the game. However, the Indian Premier League (IPL) features its own unique aspects, particularly the impact player rule, which was introduced in 2023 and will be tested until 2027. In its inaugural year, teams struggled to adapt to this new strategy. This rule introduced a concept reminiscent of football's substitution system, making cricket more dynamic and innovative.
Over the years, the rule has faced much backlash; some people questioned its need, and some people directly opposed it in the 2026 IPL, as the relevance of all-rounders has diminished, not only that, but also the perspective of playing cricket has changed.
What has changed after the impact player?
The fearless approach has evolved, and batters have become six-hitting machines. They are not only taking accountability for their strategies, but the game of precision has shifted to a focus on “you miss, I hit.”
In the game of batter and bowlers, most teams change bowlers with batters, and it has changed the role of all-rounders. It has become the template; it has also helped teams to survive posting low-scoring totals. A few teams, like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, had largely used it optionally.
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This option has made cricket a game of 12 players, which additionally opens up opportunities for teams. With this, bowlers have largely faced a demerit with the conditions they are getting; most teams, most of the time, have failed to find the right balance, and the weight of the advantage has gone straight to the batters. If early wickets are falling, teams always have extra batters who can come and contribute, and bowlers are not getting any help.
What have MS Dhoni and Shubman Gill said about the impact player rule?
Shubman Gill criticised the Impact Player rule, stating that cricket should remain an 11-player game. Speaking ahead of a match, he argued that on most pitches and venues, adding an extra batter disrupts the balance between bat and ball. Gill believes the rule reduces the role of skill and strategy, making conditions increasingly favourable for batters. He emphasised that such changes take away the essence of the game, where teams must rely on their core XI and all-round abilities rather than tactical substitutions.
Also, MS Dhoni, in an interview with Star Sports in 2025, criticised the Indian Premier League Impact Player rule, saying it was unnecessary as matches were already competitive and high-scoring. He argued it reduces unpredictability and isn’t useful for players like him, who remain actively involved throughout the game as wicketkeepers.
