Axar Patel Criticizes IPL Impact Player Rule

New Delhi, March 23, 2026 – Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel expressed strong reservations about the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League on Monday, stating that it diminishes the role of all-rounders like himself ahead of the tournament's 19th season starting March 28.

The rule, introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 2023 and set to remain in place through at least 2027, permits teams to substitute any player in the starting XI with one of five listed reserves at any stage of the match. This allows for the introduction of a specialist batter or bowler, a change aimed at promoting aggressive play but one that Patel and other Indian players argue undermines versatile contributors. Patel, India's T20 vice-captain and an all-rounder known for his left-arm spin and middle-order batting, joined Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and Pandya in voicing opposition during a pre-season press conference.

"I don't like this rule as I am an all-rounder myself," Patel said with a laugh. "Earlier, we used to pick all-rounders for their batting and bowling roles. Now, since the team management goes with a particular batter or bowler, the role of an all-rounder...