IPL 2023: There is a different kind of buzz for the upcoming 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the impact player rule implementation. All ten franchises are excited about this new rule and are making plans to introduce impact player (IP) during the game. BCCI first introduced this rule in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and it was a massive success. This IPL will not be 11 vs 11, it will be 12 vs 12 if the captains and coaches desire to have an impact player in the team. Let’s find out how this new rule will work. Follow IPL 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Teams can name the playing XI and five substitutes after the toss, but the real task for teams is to make full use of Impact player when exactly, they can use them. Teams can use IP before the commencement of the 14th over of the innings. In case teams are not able to use the IP in the first innings, there is a provision to replace him.
Amol Mazumdar explains how the IP rule works
Amol Mazumdar, who was the coach of Mumbai that had won SMAT explained how the IP works and what are its challenges.
“It needs understanding, a lot of practice. I quite liked it; to be frank I enjoyed it. We had a camp at NCA, where they experimented with emerging Indian players. I was quite aware of it by SMAT. But it needs a lot of game awareness.
“It is an impulsive decision, and it brings in a lot of anxiety… whether to introduce, or hold it back, or name someone else. Since you have five options to choose from, you can play your cards wisely. You will have to decide who can be the IP based on the requirements of the team,” Muzumdar told The Indian Express.
How teams can use IP rules in IPL
If few teams feel the bowler is not suited to bowl in the death overs, then teams can introduce IP players. For example, CSK can bring Theekshana (provided CSK had picked only three overseas players in the playing XI). The same applies to SRH if they feel Bhuvneshwar is not ideal in the death, then they can introduce Natarajan to bowl in the death overs.
Teams who struggle with big hitters in the finishing stages of the innings can use the designated finisher. Teams can also pick three overseas players and bring in the fourth IP if he happens to be a one-dimensional player. For example, CSK can play Devon Conway as the opener and bring in Theekshana or Pretorius, who can contribute with bat and ball and vice-versa.
“You always wanted to pick four overseas players because it gave you an added edge. But now, with an Impact Player, in case he happens to be a Mark Wood or Anrich Nortje, they can easily come in place of another Indian player who is handy with the bat. It is an exciting idea, and I’m sure it is going to spice up the tournament more,” one of the coaches involved with an IPL team said.
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