NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has ignited a debate surrounding the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Impact Player rule and retention policies.
Rhodes expressed concerns that the Impact Player rule, while adding excitement, undermines the crucial role of all-rounders in T20 cricket.
Introduced in IPL 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player at any point during the game, effectively utilizing 12 players instead of 11.
While acknowledging the rule’s contribution to high scores and entertainment value, Rhodes worries that it diminishes the importance of genuine all-rounders who contribute with both bat and ball.
“I am siding myself with the right use of the Impact player rule because players are almost playing with freedom so I’m just worried about the role of an all-rounder, because it’s a simple role but plays vital job in cricket and you need that for test cricket 50 over and all other T20s as well,” Rhodes told IANS.
“So I am not a massive fan of that impact player and maybe I’m just not smart enough to work out when the right strategy to use the player is. But again, it’s not my decision when to send a player in, so I’m not losing sleep about it. I’m always up for change and to try things to adapt the game, and make it more exciting and enjoyable. And I think it certainly did that, big scores were put on the board in last season. But I’m still really concerned about the role of the all-rounder, the importance of the role of the all-rounder in T20 cricket, and the Impact Player rule is certainly killing it,” Rhodes added.
Beyond the Impact Player debate, Rhodes also addressed the Right to Match (RTM) rule, which allows franchises to retain players by matching the highest bid made for them in the auction.
While not overly concerned about RTM itself, Rhodes emphasized the importance of player retention for building team culture and consistency. He questioned the current limitations on the number of players a franchise can retain, arguing that losing a significant portion of the squad during mega auctions disrupts team dynamics and hinders long-term planning.
The BCCI is yet to finalize the number of retentions and RTM cards for the upcoming IPL season. This decision carries significant weight, as franchises hold differing opinions.
Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, enjoying recent success, favour retaining a larger core group of players. Conversely, teams like Punjab Kings prefer minimal retention, aiming for a fresh start and greater flexibility in the auction.
Rhodes expressed concerns that the Impact Player rule, while adding excitement, undermines the crucial role of all-rounders in T20 cricket.
Introduced in IPL 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player at any point during the game, effectively utilizing 12 players instead of 11.
While acknowledging the rule’s contribution to high scores and entertainment value, Rhodes worries that it diminishes the importance of genuine all-rounders who contribute with both bat and ball.
“I am siding myself with the right use of the Impact player rule because players are almost playing with freedom so I’m just worried about the role of an all-rounder, because it’s a simple role but plays vital job in cricket and you need that for test cricket 50 over and all other T20s as well,” Rhodes told IANS.
“So I am not a massive fan of that impact player and maybe I’m just not smart enough to work out when the right strategy to use the player is. But again, it’s not my decision when to send a player in, so I’m not losing sleep about it. I’m always up for change and to try things to adapt the game, and make it more exciting and enjoyable. And I think it certainly did that, big scores were put on the board in last season. But I’m still really concerned about the role of the all-rounder, the importance of the role of the all-rounder in T20 cricket, and the Impact Player rule is certainly killing it,” Rhodes added.
Beyond the Impact Player debate, Rhodes also addressed the Right to Match (RTM) rule, which allows franchises to retain players by matching the highest bid made for them in the auction.
While not overly concerned about RTM itself, Rhodes emphasized the importance of player retention for building team culture and consistency. He questioned the current limitations on the number of players a franchise can retain, arguing that losing a significant portion of the squad during mega auctions disrupts team dynamics and hinders long-term planning.
The BCCI is yet to finalize the number of retentions and RTM cards for the upcoming IPL season. This decision carries significant weight, as franchises hold differing opinions.
Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, enjoying recent success, favour retaining a larger core group of players. Conversely, teams like Punjab Kings prefer minimal retention, aiming for a fresh start and greater flexibility in the auction.