Learn about the Impact Player concept in the IPL and how it has made this popular T20 league even more exciting. Also, discover the top three Impact Players from IPL 2023.
One reason T20 leagues remain exciting over the years is their ability to adapt the game to keep fans engaged. The Impact Player rule was introduced in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), adding a fresh element to the matches.
What is the Impact Player Rule?
The Impact Player rule allows teams to name four substitute players during the toss, in addition to their starting eleven. This is an expansion from the previous limit of just one substitute player. Any of the four substitutes can be used as the Impact Player at any point in the game.
While the Impact Player can bat and bowl, the rule states that if a team has four or more foreign players in their starting eleven, the Impact Player must be an Indian player.
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When Can the Impact Player Be Used?
A team can introduce an Impact Player after an over is completed, after a batsman is out, or at the beginning of an innings during breaks in play.
When the captain decides to use an Impact Player, the umpires will signal by crossing their arms above their heads. There has been debate about whether this rule makes the game like a 12 vs 12 format, but that’s not the case. Once a player is substituted out, they cannot return to the field, not even as a fielder.
Can the Impact Player Be a Foreign Player?
The IPL maintains its policy of allowing only four foreign players in a match. If a team has four foreign players in their starting eleven, they must choose an Indian player as the Impact Player. However, if a team starts with three or fewer foreign players, they can select a foreign player from the bench as their Impact Player.
How Does the Impact Player Rule Affect Game Strategy?
The main goal of the Impact Player rule is to enhance competition in evening matches, which often favored the team that won the toss due to the heavy dew in India. Teams batting first can select an additional batter to score runs, and then later swap them out for a bowler when they field. This strategy helps the team to manage their bowling resources better.
Similar Rules in Other Leagues
The Impact Player rule is similar to the X-Factor rule in Australia’s Big Bash League, which started before the IPL’s substitute system. India’s domestic T20 league, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), also had a variation of the Impact Player rule since 2022.
The X-Factor rule allows a team to substitute a player who has not actively participated in the game. In contrast, the SMAT requires teams to name their Impact Player before the toss, while in the IPL, teams can introduce the Impact Player up until the fourteenth over of the match.
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Top 3 Impact Players in IPL 2023
1. Venkatesh Iyer – Kolkata Knight Riders
Despite a challenging season for Kolkata Knight Riders, they effectively utilized their Impact Player. With their captain Shreyas Iyer injured, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer took on a crucial role in batting. His century against Mumbai Indians earned him the Player of the Match award, and he scored a total of 292 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of nearly 150.
2. Dhruv Jurel – Rajasthan Royals
Dhruv Jurel made a memorable debut as an Impact Player when he helped Rajasthan Royals chase a challenging target set by Punjab Kings. His impressive 34-run performance won him fans, and he is now seen as one of Rajasthan’s top Indian players after Sanju Samson. His strong temperament makes him a valuable Impact Player for future seasons.
3. Noor Ahmad – Gujarat Titans
Noor Ahmad made a notable impact last season, following in the footsteps of his fellow Afghan star, Rashid Khan. He debuted as an Impact Player and bowled out Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson. Gujarat Titans used him wisely as a replacement for opening batsman Shubman Gill, and he took eight wickets in five matches.
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