India Captain Rohit Sharma's Discontent with IPL Substitution Rule Echoed by Virat Kohli
In alignment with Rohit Sharma's recent critique, Virat Kohli has joined the chorus of disapproval against the Impact Player substitution rule in cricket, labeling it as a disruptor of the game's equilibrium.
The contentious mid-innings substitution rule, introduced in the previous IPL edition, has stirred controversy, prompting Rohit's discontent expressed during a podcast last month.
Kohli, echoing Sharma's sentiments, has called for a reassessment of the rule, emphasizing the imbalance it has introduced. "I agree with Rohit. Entertainment is one aspect of the game but there is no balance," Kohli remarked during an interview with Jio Cinema.
"I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me," he added.
In his podcast, Rohit Sharma had emphatically stated, "I'm not a big fan... It's going to hold back all-rounders. Cricket is played by 11, not 12 (players)."
The ongoing IPL season has witnessed remarkable feats, including Punjab Kings' record-breaking chase of Kolkata Knight Riders' formidable 262 and Sunrisers Hyderabad's unprecedented total of 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The surge in high-scoring encounters, with eight totals exceeding 250 runs, has left bowlers grappling with the onslaught. Kohli empathized with their plight, remarking, "Bowlers are feeling like what they should do."
"I have never experienced anything like it where bowlers think they will concede four or a six on every ball.
Highlighting the disparity in resources among teams, Kohli stressed, "Not every team has a Bumrah (Jasprit) or the mystery of Rashid Khan."
"I am telling you, with one extra batter there is a reason I am playing with 200-plus strike rate in the powerplays. I know there is a batsman waiting at No. 8 as well.
Expressing his concern over the evolving nature of the game, Kohli emphasized the importance of restoring parity between bat and ball. "We are playing a high level of cricket and it should not be that dominant in my opinion. There is a beauty about having an equal balance between bat and ball," Kohli added.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has acknowledged the contentious nature of the Impact Player rule, branding it as a "test case" aimed at providing opportunities to Indian players. However, he hinted at a possible review in consultation with stakeholders for future IPL editions.
"I am sure Jay (Shah) bhai has mentioned it already that they will review it and I am sure that they will come to a conclusion which brings the game into balance," said Kohli.
While acknowledging the rule's benefits from a batsman's perspective, Kohli emphasized the essence of an exciting contest beyond mere boundaries. "As a batsman, I can say this rule is good but the match should be exciting. Only fours and sixes are not exciting in cricket. Exciting is that you can defend 160 as well,” Kohli concluded.
