Shubman Gill Criticises IPL Impact Player Rule, Calls It One-Dimensional

Shubman Gill, the captain of Gujarat Titans, has shared his concerns about the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This rule, introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2023, has been one of the most talked-about and debated changes in the tournament.

The rule allows each team to substitute a player from four named substitutes during a match, who can bat and bowl their full quota of overs, in or before the 14th over of each innings. While multiple captains have poken against the impact player rule thus far, GT skipper Gill is the latest to do so.

In a press conference, Shubman Gill said that he doesn’t feel the Impact Player rule is necessary. He added that having one extra player reduces the skill needed in the game and makes it more one-dimensional.

“Personally, I don’t think there should be an impact player. Cricket in general is a 11-player game. On wickets and grounds that we play, I think an extra batsmen takes the skill out of the game. With that one extra player, it is making the game more one-dimensional. It’s going to be there till 2027, and it is what we spoke in the captains’ meet,” Shubman Gill said.

Shubman Gill Questions Impact Player Rule, Says It Reduces All-Round Skill in IPL

In the last three IPL seasons where the Impact Player rule has been used, several top players have spoken against it. The latest to criticise it is India T20I vice-captain Axar Patel, who clearly said, “I don’t like it.” Other players who have also raised concerns include Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.

“I don’t like this rule as I am all rounder myself (laughs). Earlier we used to pick all-rounders for this role (batting and bowling). Now, since the team management goes with a particular batter or bowler, the role of an all-rounder becomes subdued. Rules are rules and we have to follow them, but personally I don’t like it,” said Axar Patel on Impact Sub rule earlier.

The Impact Player rule, introduced in 2023, is expected to continue until 2027, completing a five-year cycle in the Indian Premier League. There is no immediate change planned, but according to a report by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to discuss the rule at the IPL captains' meeting. However, it is still not clear what exactly will be discussed. Tactically, it has changed the way teams approach games. Sides now routinely start with an extra batter and later bring in a specialist bowler, or vice versa. While that adds flexibility, it has also diluted the role of allrounders, who are no longer needed as much as they would otherwise.

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