Impact Player in IPL is a huge success. Will it make a difference in Cricket? When was it tested? What are its pros and cons? Let’s find out the answers to these questions.
Impact Player in IPL
Impact Player in IPL is introduced by the BCCI in the 16th edition of the IPL, in 2023. It is a new term, making the Cricket experts go bizarre, and the Cricket players go berserk.
All the captains are allowed to submit a list of four substitute players. So, in total, a captain has to submit the details of a 15-member team instead of the regular 11-member team.
Captains can choose any one of the four players to replace any one of the players from Playing Eleven. That “Extra” player is the Impact Player in IPL.
Where Impact Player was first tested in India?
The Impact player, as a rule, was first tested during Syed Mustaq Ali tournament in India.
It is almost similar to the substitute player in Football. In India, where Cricket is treated as a Religion, any new introduction will be opposed, until it adds value to the game.
As far as the view count of first-class tournaments, like the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mustaq Ali, is concerned, it is very low. It will take time for IPL fans to absorb this rule and enjoy the game even more.
Pros of Impact Player in IPL
Though there are many tactical and technical advantages to the Impact Player Rule in IPL, here are some of the most visible pros.
Options
All the teams will have more options to choose from. They are not limited to a set of 11 players, as there is an additional option.
There are four players listed as substitutes, so it allows captains to pick from any of those four players.
Flexibility
Many teams like the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans are flexible in terms of batting order changes, bowling options, and all-rounder availability. It will be a boon for teams, which lack flexibility.
Balanced
Having one additional spinner for a pitch that works well for spinners or one additional hitter for a flat pitch will make a team balanced on paper.
The Impact Player rule in IPL helps teams become flexible and balanced, providing options.
Cons of Impact Player in IPL
The disadvantages of the Impact player rule in IPL are few in number. However, it is always recommended for online bettors, who bet on IPL, and for fans to evaluate the downside of this rule.
Unused
Most often, the impact player may not be used at all throughout the match. It is mandatory to submit four substitutes, but whether it is mandatory to use an impact player or not is still under discussion.
50:50 Chance
Even if a player is selected based on a strategy, it is not foolproof. It is another player who may or may not perform, based on the conditions.
Complicated
The rules of Impact Player are not yet fully grasped by fans. It may get picked up in the next season.
How Cricket as a game will change after Impact Player?
Cricket has already started to become a game where 50% of the game is decided in the dressing room. It is fully based on statistics and available data.
If you notice keenly, sports data analyst jobs are in high demand and each franchise has at least one data analyst in its squad. Their only task is to get the stats ready for analysis for the coach, the captains, and the players.
With the introduction of Impact Player, the strategy gets strengthened. Since this is the first IPL with this rule, teams may research how to pick, swap, and make use of impact players. Soon, all the teams will have strategies for impact players of the opponents in place.
Without second thoughts, Impact Player as a rule will have a huge impact on Cricket in the future.
Verdict: We can expect Impact Player to be introduced in international Cricket as well.
Concluding Thoughts
As we have analyzed Impact Player in IPL as a rule and strategy, it’s time to go through the impact players of each match. Enjoy the IPL this year with our Fun88 IPL Cricket Preview & Prediction.
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You can also read about IPL NEW RULES 2023
