The captain of Indian cricket teamRohit Sharma has sparked a debate about the IPL’s “Impact Player” rule, highlighting a potential concern for finding future seam-bowling all-rounders like Hardik Pandya or any all-rounder for that matter.

Introduced in 2023, the rule allows teams to name one substitute as an “Impact Player” during a Indian Premier League match, replacing a starter at strategic points. This provides tactical flexibility, enabling teams to bring in a pinch hitter, a fresh bowler, or a specialist to counter the opposition’s strategy.

While the rule adds excitement and strategic depth, Rohit Sharma suggests it might have an unintended consequence. He expressed concerns that it could hinder the development of all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar. With teams having the option to bring in specialist bowlers or batsmen, the need for a player who excels in both disciplines might diminish.

Rohit Sharma said: “I am not big fan of impact player rule, honestly speaking. It is going to hold all-rounders back, guys like Shivam Dube& Washington Sundar aren’t getting to bowl which is not a good thing for us – it is entertaining as there are 12 players, giving lots of options