Ashwin supports IPL's 'Impact player' rule, calls it fair
What's the story
Ace Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his support for the contentious 'Impact Player' rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This stance contrasts with those of fellow players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have expressed their disapproval of the same. Ashwin believes that this rule enhances team strategy and fairness in the game. He shared his views on Kris Srikkanth's YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka.
Rule interpretation
Ashwin refutes claims about rule hindering all-rounders
Ashwin dismissed claims that the 'Impact Player' rule hinders the development of all-rounders. He argued that they are not being stopped from performing and cited Venkatesh Iyer's success with Lancashire as an example. "In this generation, they don't do it [batters bowling and vice-versa]. It's not like they're discouraged because of the Impact Player rule," Ashwin stated on Srikkanth's show.
Impact Player
Decoding the Impact Player rule
The Impact Plaer rule, which was introduced ahead of IPL 2023, allows teams to substitute a player, whether a batter or a bowler, during the game. Besides naming the XI, a team also names four substitutes. Now among these four players, one can be brought in as a substitute before the end of the 14th over of either innings. A team can make only one substitution change per match. The outgoing player doesn't take any further part in the contest.
Rule impact
Ashwin highlights rule's role in IPL 2024
Ashwin highlighted the rule's significance, citing an IPL 2024 example. He mentioned the Qualifier 2 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), where it contributed to a more balanced game. He noted that the high-scoring encounters during the tournament was not due to the controversial rule. "Sunrisers [Hyderabad] brought in Shahbaz Ahmed as an Impact Player [vs Rajasthan Royals, after hitting 175 for nine batting first]; he went on to become a match-winner [with three for 23]," Ashwin said.
Player promotion
Ashwin credits rule for promoting emerging players
Ashwin credited the 'Impact Player' rule for promoting emerging players like Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube, and Dhruv Jurel. He asserted that without this rule, these players might not have had as many opportunities to showcase their skills. "Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube most importantly, Dhruv Jurel... If not for the Impact Player rule, he may have never gotten the chance," Ashwin added.
Rule review
Ashwin's views on IPL's right to match rule
In addition to his stance on the 'Impact Player' rule, Ashwin also talked about the Right to Match (RTM) rule used in the IPL auction. He expressed dissatisfaction with its current form and suggested modifications. "If a franchise has released a player because they don't see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction," Ashwin argued.