NewKerala.com

Axar Patel Slams IPL Impact Player Rule, Says It Hurts All-Rounders

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel has voiced strong criticism against the IPL's Impact Player rule, stating it works to the disadvantage of all-rounders. He believes the rule encourages team managements to select specialist batsmen or bowlers instead of multi-skilled players. Despite his personal dislike for the rule, Patel acknowledges that teams must follow the regulations as they are. The Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1.

Key Points: Axar Patel Criticizes IPL Impact Player Rule

  • Axar Patel criticizes rule
  • Says it undermines all-rounders
  • Rule allows tactical substitution
  • Teams may opt for specialists
  • Delhi Capitals' season begins April 1
2 min read

Axar Patel feels Impact Player rule undermines role of all-rounders in team selection

Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel says the IPL's Impact Player rule disadvantages all-rounders in team selection and strategy for the upcoming season.

"I don't like this rule, obviously. Because I'm an all-rounder. - Axar Patel"

New Delhi, March 23

Delhi Capitals skipper and Indian team vice-captain Axar Patel has said that Impact Player works to the disadvantage of all-rounders in terms of selection.

The Impact Player rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023. It allows teams to substitute one player during a match from four named substitutes, giving them tactical flexibility to replace a batsman, bowler, or all-rounder based on match situations.

While the rule aims to increase tactical flexibility and match excitement, many all-rounders like Patel feel it undermines their role.

"I don't like this rule, obviously. Because I'm an all-rounder. You know, in batting and bowling, it used to be like we used to pick all-rounders. Because of this rule, I think every team management goes with a particular batsman or a bowler. Why do we need an all-rounder? So, I think because of that, as an all-rounder, I didn't like those rules. But, at the same time, if we have the rules, we have to follow them. But, in my personal view, I think I don't like that rule."

IPL teams are finalizing their squads and strategies for the upcoming season. Delhi Capitals, who are yet to win an IPL title, finished fifth on the points table last season, missing out on a playoff berth.

With the schedule of the first phase of IPL 2026 announced by BCCI, Delhi Capitals will begin their season campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1.

Their next clash will be against the Mumbai Indians on April 4, followed by their matches against the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings on April 8 and April 11, respectively.

Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026:

Nitish Rana, Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, David Miller, Ben Duckett, Auqib Nabi, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Kyle Jamieson.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. As a newer cricket fan, I thought the rule made games more exciting with last-minute changes. But I see his point about devaluing players who work hard to be good at both skills.
V
Vikram M
BCCI should listen to the players. This rule is good for entertainment, but bad for the long-term health of the game. Youngsters will stop trying to become all-rounders. What will happen to Team India's balance in ICC events?
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, I disagree a bit. The rule has created more opportunities for pure batters and bowlers who might not get a chance otherwise. It's evolution. All-rounders need to adapt and be so good that they are irreplaceable.
K
Karthik V
Feel for Axar. He's a genuine match-winner. But the rule is here to stay because it sells tickets and gets TRP. IPL is a business first, sport second. That's the sad reality. 🤷‍♂️
P
Priya S
Good on him for speaking up! At least someone from the inside is saying it. The rule makes the game too mechanical. Cricket is about heroes who can do everything, not about swapping players like chess pieces.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50