The Impact Player rule has fueled high-scoring matches this IPL season according to Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill. He believes the ability to substitute players late in the innings gives the license to the teams to maintain attacking approach against bowlers.

This sentiment follows the 12th time a team has scored over 200 runs in a match this season. The Delhi Capitals piled up a formidable 224 for 4 against the Gujarat Titans on Wednesday.

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL to add strategic depth and increase fan excitement, seems to be changing the dynamics of the game by giving teams more flexibility in their strategies and boosting scoring rates in the tournament.

“Impact Player gives teams more flexibility, even if they lose early wickets. Knowing they have a cushion, teams can continue attacking without fear of collapse. To reach a competitive total, sides must keep the momentum going rather than playing cautiously through the middle overs,” Shubman Gill said.

Gill is not the only Team India player who thinks the Impact Player rule has greatly strengthened batting for all IPL teams. Earlier this week, DC stars Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar also criticized the rule, noting that flat pitches further put bowlers under pressure.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was the first to speak out against the rule, stating that it has limit the opportunities for all-rounders.

DC’s Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel staged a terrific comeback and put together a partnership of 113 runs. Gill believed his team was at fault for conceding too many extra runs.

“At one point, we thought we would contain them to around 200-210 runs. However, we gave away some extra runs in the last couple of overs,” he added.

“However, the advantage of chasing is that you understand your target. Execution thus becomes crucial for the bowlers. It’s a small ground and the total could be chased. If the pitch offers no help, they must execute their plans perfectly – especially the yorkers.”

With five losses in their first nine matches in IPL 2024, the Titans have struggled to find consistency this season, slipping to seventh place in the standings after their latest defeat against the Capitals.

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