The Indian Premier League’s upcoming edition will feature the ‘Impact Player’ rule, which allows teams to substitute one of their players with an Indian cricketer during the game unless the initial XI had only three overseas players. As Chopra stated in his YouTube video, ‘Impact Player’ rule is a great news for Indian cricketers.
“It is a platinum jubilee for the Indians because Indians will get more opportunities now. Overseas players will remain four only, but eight Indians will play in a game of the IPL, which was not the case earlier, as only seven used to get to play.”
Aakash Chopra
India’s former opener highlighted Prabhsimran Singh as an example of how the rule could assist uncapped Indians in particular, explaining:
“The uncapped Indians will gain. Let’s talk about Punjab. You might ask Prabhsimran Singh to open in the second innings and go and hit sixes. If it works, it’s fine, or else no problem. Similarly, you can play an uncapped Indian bowler, who you were generally unable to give chances to.”
Chopra noted that the ‘Impact Player’ rule change would positively affect franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He highlighted how this new regulation would allow them to use all four of their primary Indian seamers – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, T Natarajan, and Kartik Tyagi – in a game, something which may not have otherwise been possible.
‘Impact Player’ rule can be used in the first innings as well – Aakash Chopra
Chopra highlighted that the ‘Impact Player’ rule could be applied during the initial innings as well in case the batting side has an abrupt breakdown. He said:
“The change can happen in the first innings, too in extraordinary circumstances. Assume CSK get to bat first, you didn’t keep Mukesh Chowdhary in the XI and you went in with six or seven batters but you become 25/5.”
“It wouldn’t happen with Chennai but just in case it happens, you will sacrifice the additional bowler and try to at least put runs on the board. So you will remove one of the batters from the top and you can play another batter in place of him in the same innings.”
“Similarly, if you get to bowl first and you played six bowlers in your team but two of them concede 50 runs in two overs. Then you will say that you are not able to manage. So you will remove one bowler and get another new bowler to get the job done.” He further added.