New Delhi, March 23: Axar Patel, captain of the Delhi Capitals, has expressed his discontent with the ‘Impact Player’ rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes this rule undermines the role of all-rounders.
In a recent press conference, Axar stated, “To be honest, I do not like this rule. As an all-rounder, I feel it diminishes our importance. Previously, teams selected an all-rounder for both batting and bowling. Now, management opts for a specific batsman or bowler, questioning the need for an all-rounder.”
He added, “You have seen me perform consistently over the years. I adapt to whatever the team requires. This is why I have earned the tag of ‘crisis man.’ I fulfill roles based on the team’s needs, whether as a finisher or a middle-order batsman. We constantly discuss our strategies. Every role, whether scoring four runs off two balls or 80 runs as an opener, is crucial for the team.”
Axar emphasized, “I approach the game with the mindset to fulfill whatever role is necessary. If you don’t get what you want, it can lead to frustration and disappointment, which affects your performance. Therefore, I prioritize the team’s needs. When you are prepared for this, you give your 100%.”
This is not the first time Axar has voiced his concerns regarding this rule. As vice-captain in 2024, he mentioned that the ‘Impact Player’ rule had impacted his batting position. The rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023.
The Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
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