Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach, Ricky Ponting, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the “Impact Player” rule in the IPL. While acknowledging its potential downsides, Ponting proposes an interesting solution: letting the fans decide its fate.
Impact Player: Bane for All-Rounders?
Ricky Ponting has never been a vocal supporter of the rule. This recently gained traction after India crikcet team captain Rohit Sharma publicly criticized it for hindering the development of all-rounders.
“This Impact Player is taking the all-rounders out of the game a little bit,” Ponting said, echoing Rohit Sharma’s concerns. With this rule, teams can strategically use an extra specialist batsman, potentially sidelining a player like Shivam Dube, who offers both batting and bowling skills.
Fans Hold the Key: Ricky Ponting
Despite his reservations, Ricky Ponting recognizes the entertainment value the rule brings. “The T20 game is an entertainment package,” he explained. Therefore, he proposes that fans should have the final say: “It’s probably better asking the spectator what they think about the impact player.”
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High-scoring spectacle or balanced contest?
Ricky Ponting highlights the contrasting approaches teams can take under this rule. His upcoming opponent, Sunrisers Hyderabad, is known for aggressive batting, often aiming for mammoth totals. “We don’t mind having a shootout,” Ponting said, suggesting his team, Delhi Capitals, is prepared to match that strategy.
However, such high-scoring encounters might come at a cost for player development. This raises the question – should the IPL prioritize entertainment or nurture well-rounded cricketers?
Ricky Ponting’s suggestion to involve the fans offers a unique perspective. Their voice could determine whether the “Impact Player” stays or goes, shaping the future of the IPL’s format.
Editors pick
