Ponting Agrees with Rohit: Impact Player Rule Not Ideal for IPL Coaches and Players

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Delhi Capitals, has expressed his agreement with Rohit Sharma's view that the Impact Player rule introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is not ideal for coaches and players. The rule, which allows teams to make tactical substitutions during the match, has been criticized for reducing the role of all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.

Ponting acknowledged the challenges of selecting 11 players for an IPL team, mentioning that adding five Impact Player options to the mix complicates the process for a coach. He believes the rule is "taking the all-rounders out of the game a little bit" as teams can now play specialist batsmen down to No. 8. However, Ponting emphasized that the decision to retain or discard the rule should be based on public opinion, as the T20 format is primarily an entertainment package.

Rohit Sharma, the former India captain and Mumbai Indians player, had earlier expressed his reservations about the Impact Player rule, stating that it could hinder the progress of all-rounders. He argued that the rule goes against the fundamental nature of cricket, which is an 11-player game, not 12.

Why this matters: The debate around the Impact Player rule has gained prominence as the selection of India's T20 World Cup squad approaches, with players like Shivam Dube being considered for their all-round abilities. The rule's potential impact on the development of all-rounders and the balance of IPL teams has raised concerns among cricket experts and fans alike.

Some cricket experts believe that while the Impact Player rule may benefit IPL teams in the short term, it could negatively impact Indian cricket in the long run by diminishing the importance of all-rounders. Zaheer Khan, the former India pacer, echoed Rohit Sharma's concerns, highlighting that the rule could lead to the emergence of "half all-rounders" rather than complete ones.

Ponting also provided an update on the fitness of Delhi Capitals' star player David Warner, who is expected to be around 85-90% fit for the upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The head coach expressed confidence in Delhi Capitals' batting lineup, stating that they are ready to match Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have broken the highest total record twice this season, in a high-scoring game.

Key Takeaways

• Ricky Ponting agrees with Rohit Sharma's view that the IPL's Impact Player rule is not ideal.
• The rule reduces the role of all-rounders and complicates team selection for coaches.
• Rohit Sharma believes the rule goes against cricket's fundamental 11-player nature.
• Experts warn the rule could hinder the development of well-rounded all-rounders in the long run.
• Ponting is confident Delhi Capitals can match Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-scoring IPL game.