Since the introduction of the Impact Player rule in 2023, it has been one of the biggest talking points in the Indian Premier League. While the substitute can either be a batter or a bowler, based on the conditions and the toss, the most significant change it has brought to IPL is elongating batting lineups. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting – now at the helm of Punjab Kings – has weighed in on the rule, saying he doesn’t like to see it as a coach, but understands why it is in place.
“As a coach, I’d say no,” Ponting told The Indian Express when asked if he’d like to see the rule stay or go. “But as a spectator, I’d probably say yes. These decisions are often influenced by what’s best for viewers and TV. I know this from working in broadcasting, our bosses are always talking about ways to improve the spectacle for a viewer.”
“The impact player is there for that reason, there is no doubt in my mind. They may say it gives another Indian player a chance, but if they’re good enough, they’d be in the starting XI anyway. As a coach, I’d much prefer picking the best XI, but I understand the other side too.”
Ricky Pointing interview with The Indian Express at Idea Exchange: On why Punjab Kings ‘wanted Shreyas Iyer at any cost’ in IPL auction | On MS Dhoni’s IPL future | On Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future with Team India | On the Impact Player Rule
While he might not be a fan of it as a coach, PBKS have been using the rule to good effect. Ponting emphasized how tactical the selection of sub can be, using the example of what PBKS did in their opening match against Gujarat Titans.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. (Illustration: Suvajit Dey)
“In our first game, there was a lot of advice going to Shreyas, and he was asking questions about what the game needed,” Ponting said. “A prime example is how we used our impact player in the first game with Vyshak (Vijaykumar) coming in as late as he did. We had planned our subs tactically and had three guys ready: two spin bowlers and Vyshak. We waited for what the Titans would do. We kept an eye on their dugout, waiting to see if they’d use (Sherfane) Rutherford or Glenn Phillips. Once they made their choice (left-handed Rutherford), it was clear to us which way we should go.”
In Punjab’s second match as well, the decision to bring in Nehal Wadhera as a batting sub was a late call on the night. The left-hander joked in the post-match interview that he came to the ground with just one shirt in his kit because he wasn’t expected to play. “When I saw that they’d made their Impact Sub as a left-arm offspinner, I said, ‘mate, you’re going in’. And I said, ‘make the most of the opportunity, play your way,” Ponting said in his dressing room debrief after the match against Lucknow Super Giants.