In the IPL, the impact player rule was introduced for the first time in the 2023 season. This regulation permits teams to substitute a player, either a batter or a bowler, at any moment during a match. Jason Behrendorff, a left-arm seamer for the Mumbai Indians, believes that the impact player rule won’t be implemented in international cricket anytime soon.
Players and coaches disagree over the impact player rule, which the IPL instituted this season. Some believe it is ambiguous.
Yuzvendra Chahal of the Rajasthan Royals recently stated that the rule has been a blessing for them since he is useless as a batter. The “Impact Player” rule permits clubs to substitute any one player from their starting XI at any time during the game.
“I do not think we will see Impact Player Rule at the international level for probably a while”: Behrendorff
Behrendorff discussed the Impact Player regulation during a press conference held prior to Saturday’s game between the Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings. He said:
“I do not think we will see it at the international level for probably a while.” Looking back at what the Big Bash has done in Australia with some different rules coming in at different stages, different competitions are going to try to have something, that is maybe a little different that can change the course of their competition or game. But at this stage, I don’t see the international game changing too much.”
The Australian bowler emphasised how well the group has gelled since their initial defeats and expressed hope for the momentum to continue:
“I think the team’s gelling together really nicely at the moment. Everyone has had an impact in each of the games so far, so that’s a very exciting thing for us. All the guys are getting some quality game time, the consistency and communication within the team is starting to get really good. The main thing is that we just keep getting better each game and build on that momentum.”
The five-time champs easily cruised to three consecutive victories after suffering two straight losses. They also had the worst season the previous year, coming in last in the points standings.
Premier bowler Jofra Archer of the Mumbai Indians has missed four of the team’s five games thus far because of pain in his right elbow.
In Archer’s absence, Behrendorff, who has played a larger role in this IPL, stated that the English pacer is recovering and the squad is awaiting the medical team’s approval. He believes Riley Meredith has successfully filled those large shoes. According to Behrendorff:
“The medical team is tirelessly working with Jof and he has been training strongly, which is a really positive sign for us. We are waiting for the medical team to tick off on him and hopefully, he is not to far away. We would love to have Jofra back and it is one of those things that is tough to fill. With Riley coming in, he bowls at a good pace that has made the change a little bit smoother.”
Archer has only participated in one game of the IPL 2023 thus far, going wicketless after his elbow issue flared up and forced him to withdraw from the remaining matches.
