NEW DELHI
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has sparked a heated debate just days before the new season by openly criticizing the IPL’s “Impact Player” rule. Speaking at a pre-season press conference, the star all-rounder admitted he “honestly dislikes” the regulation, claiming it actively hurts players who contribute with both bat and ball.
The rule, which allows teams to swap a player during a match, has changed how coaches think. Axar explained that instead of picking versatile all-rounders, teams now simply substitute a specialist batter for a specialist bowler. “Earlier, you were picked for both skills,” Axar noted. “Now, that role is shrinking.” He previously pointed out that the rule pushed him lower down the batting order, limiting his impact on the game.
Despite his personal feelings, Axar remains a “crisis man” for Delhi. Last year, he battled through a finger injury sustained during the Champions Trophy, which hampered his bowling stats. However, his batting stayed elite, as he smashed 263 runs at a blistering strike rate of 158. He clarified that while his bowling numbers dipped due to injury, his commitment to the team remains his top priority.
As Delhi Capitals prepare for their April 1 opener against Lucknow Super Giants, Axar is determined to stay flexible. Whether he is needed as a finisher or a lead spinner, he promised to give 100 percent. However, his comments reflect a growing concern among India’s top all-rounders that the traditional balance of cricket is being lost to tactical substitutions.
Axar Patel slams IPL impact player rule
