Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team and the current head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, has expressed his thoughts on the Impact Player rule in the IPL, highlighting its strategic advantages as well as the challenges it presents for the national team. Dravid acknowledged that the rule has enhanced the competitiveness of the league but raised concerns regarding its broader implications.

“It has undoubtedly introduced a new dynamic,” Dravid stated in an interview with Sportstar. “To be candid, during my tenure as India’s coach, I was not particularly in favor of the Impact Player rule. This was not due to its ability to enhance competitiveness—because it certainly does. It adds a layer of complexity and keeps the matches engaging until the final moments. However, from the perspective of the national team, it has created some difficulties.”

The Impact Player rule, which was implemented in 2023 following a trial in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, permits teams to substitute one player from the playing XI during a match. While it has contributed to more competitive and entertaining games, it has also resulted in higher scoring rates and a transformation in team strategies.

“From a statistical standpoint, scoring rates have risen because teams can utilize an additional specialist batter,” Dravid noted.

“This implies that no team is ever completely out of contention. A batter can come in at No. 8 or even No. 9, enabling aggressive batting even after the loss of six or seven wickets.”

Impact on all-rounders

Dravid's primary concern, as previously noted by many, revolves around the effect on the development of all-rounders.

"As a coach, my goal is to cultivate all-rounders. In the traditional 11 vs 11 format, certain players had greater chances to bat or bowl in various scenarios. The introduction of the Impact Player rule has altered that dynamic to some degree," Dravid stated.

He further mentioned that while all-rounders can still provide balance to a team, there is now a reduced reliance on them. "Although having an all-rounder contributes to team balance, teams can now function without one if they do not identify a suitable candidate."

Dravid's comments resonate with similar concerns expressed by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, contributing to the ongoing debate about whether this rule serves as a strategic advantage or a hindrance to player development.

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