R Ashwin thinks that if the Impact Player rule is removed, the strategic component that it has added to the IPL will disappear. The regulation has drawn a lot of criticism from a variety of sources, including Rohit Sharma, who is not a “big fan”.
The main complaint is that it keeps all-arounders from growing. Additionally, due of the extra batter cushion (if the team chooses to add one), teams have begun to score higher runs.
According to Ashwin, “the Impact Player rule is not so bad because it gives a little more value for strategy,” on Kris Srikkanth’s Cheeky Cheeka YouTube channel. The opposing viewpoint to that claim is that it discourages allrounders. Nobody is halting them, though.
“They [batters bowling and vice versa] don’t do it in this generation. They’re not exactly deterred by the Impact Player rule, either. Look at Venkatesh Iyer; he’s doing fantastically for Lancashire right now. It also makes the game more equitable and presents a chance for creativity.”
To highlight his position, Ashwin gave an example from the IPL 2024 Qualifier 2. “After batting first and hitting 175 for 9, the Sunrisers of Hyderabad brought in Shahbaz Ahmed as an Impact Player; he went on to become a match-winner [with 3 for 23].”
Teams bowling second receive one extra choice as a counter when dew has the potential to make games unbalanced. You can tactically replace a bowler if you’re batting second by unloading the additional player for a batter.
“Games are more competitive and involve more players. There haven’t been any significant changes anywhere, with the exception of Kolkata and Mumbai, where scores have soared. They were all 160–170 games, much like at Punjab Kings’ home field in Mullanpur.”
“If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction”
Ashwin contended that the regulation was to blame for some players rising through the ranks and even making the national squad. “Most notably, Dhruv Jurel, Shivam Dube, and Shahbaz Ahmed… He might not have had the opportunity if it weren’t for the Impact Player regulation. Thus, there has been a large emergence of participants. Although it’s not the only path for gamers to take, it’s not too horrible.
There is an upcoming massive auction there. Although the Right to Match (RTM) has not been utilised in IPL auctions since 2018, the IPL is now discussing the auction’s retention regulations, and the reintroduction of RTMs is one of the topics under discussion.
In its current shape, Ashwin is not interested in it.
“If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction,” Ashwin stated. “You provide the participant the choice, asking if he wishes to be matched right now.
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A legally valid agreement between the two parties should specify that he can only be RTMed at a price of X and leave it up to the player to choose what the predetermined sum is.”