Impact player rule in IPL: Shubman Gill's verdict

The impact player rule has led to high-scoring matches this IPL season, according to Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill. He believes the ability to bring in players late in the innings gives teams the licence to maintain an attacking approach against the bowlers.

That sentiment follows the 12th time a team has scored more than 200 runs in a match this season. Delhi Capitals posted an impressive 224 for 4 against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday.

The impact player rule, which was introduced in the IPL to add strategic depth and excitement for the fans, seems to be changing the dynamics of the game by giving teams more flexibility in their strategies and increasing the scoring rate in the tournament.

Shubman Gill said:

“Impact Player gives teams more flexibility, even if they lose early wickets. Knowing they have a cushion, teams can continue attacking without fear of collapse. To reach a competitive total, sides must keep the momentum going rather than playing cautiously through the middle overs.”

With five losses in their first nine matches in IPL 2024, the Titans have struggled to find consistency this season, slipping to seventh place in the standings after their latest defeat against the Capitals. 

Gill is not the only Team India player to believe that the Impact Player rule has made batting much tougher for all IPL teams. Earlier this week, DC stars Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar also criticised the rule, pointing out that flat pitches put even more pressure on bowlers.

India skipper Rohit Sharma was the first to speak out against the rule, saying it had limited the opportunities for all-rounders.

DC's Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel staged a magnificent comeback, putting on a 113-run partnership. Gill felt his team was at fault for conceding too many extra runs.