Mohammed Siraj, the fast bowler for RCB and India, expressed his frustration with the Impact Player rule in the IPL, attributing it to the challenges faced by bowlers in the league. Siraj, who returned to the RCB XI for their match against KKR at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, called for the rule to be scrapped, citing the trend of high-scoring matches in IPL 2024.
His comments came in the wake of SunRisers Hyderabad's exceptional batting display against Delhi, where they set a new record for the most runs scored in the powerplay and became the first team to post three scores of 250 or more in a single IPL season.
Siraj emphasized the difficulty for bowlers on flat wickets, where batsmen aggressively attack from the outset, resulting in scores of 270-280 becoming common in IPL 2024.
The Impact Player rule, introduced last year, allows teams to substitute a player in the starting XI with an extra batter or bowler at any stage of the match. While most teams opt to bolster their batting with the Impact Player, Siraj highlighted its impact on the balance between bat and ball in the tournament.
The surge in high scores, including SRH's record-breaking total of 287 against RCB, has prompted discussions about the Impact Player rule's influence on the game's dynamics. Former cricketers and pundits have expressed disappointment with the lack of equilibrium between batting and bowling in this season of the IPL.
Despite the challenges faced by bowlers, Siraj emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset to enhance performance. He showcased signs of returning to form by dismissing Phil Salt, who had scored rapidly in the powerplay, and conceding only 20 runs in his first three overs against KKR.
As IPL 2024 progresses, discussions about the Impact Player rule and its implications for the game are likely to continue among players, coaches, and cricket enthusiasts.
