Impact Player rule has come under the scanner in recent months. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli have opined that this rule has spoiled the balance of the game. The teams have an extra batting or bowling option for all games.
While the balance of the game is no longer the same in IPL, this rule has given a chance to some underrated talents who would stay on the bench otherwise. Here’s a list of four players who owe their careers to this rule.
1. Ashutosh Sharma made his debut as an Impact Player for Punjab Kings
In the match between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, PBKS were down to 150/6 in a run-chase of 200 when new player Ashutosh Sharma came in as an Impact Player. He smacked a 17-ball 31 to change the game in Punjab’s favor. Later in the tournament, he even swept Jasprit Bumrah for a six.
2. Swapnil Singh made his comeback as an Impact Player for RCB
Swapnil Singh made his RCB debut as an Impact Substitute in the match against SRH. He took the wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram to start RCB’s miraculous comeback in the tournament.
3. Himanshu Sharma
Another uncapped player from RCB to feature on the list is Himanshu Sharma. He came in as an Impact Substitute in the league match against Gujarat Titans in 2023, where he bowled three overs, conceding 28 runs.
4. Suyash Sharma
Suyash Sharma debuted as an Impact Substitute in the 2023 league stage match for KKR against RCB. The spinner scalped three wickets on debut and then became a permanent member of the KKR match squad in the IPL.
