Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Demand Removal of Impact Player Rule from IPL

Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India captain Rohit Sharma‘s criticism of the IPL’s new Impact Player rule. Speaking on Jio Cinema, Kohli called for the BCCI to rethink the rule, which he believes has disrupted the balance of the game.

Kohli shed light on the pressure it puts on bowlers, who are constantly worried about conceding boundaries due to the possibility of an extra batter coming in later as an impact player.

The 2024 IPL season has seen a run-fest, with three of the highest totals in tournament history being recorded. Kohli argues that entertainment shouldn’t come at the expense of balance.

“I agree with Rohit. Entertainment is one aspect of the game but there is no balance,” Kohli said on Jio Cinema.

“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. 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. Not every team has a Bumrah (Jasprit) or the mystery of Rashid Khan,” Kohli said.

Kohli believes the Impact Player rule has also impacted his own batting approach. With an extra batter waiting lower down the order, he feels less pressure to rotate the strike and can afford to play a more aggressive style.

“I am telling you, with one extra batter there is a reason I am playing with 200 plus strike rate in the powerplays. I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me.”

Kohli expressed hope that the BCCI will reconsider the rule.

“I am sure Jay Shah has mentioned they will review it and come to a conclusion which brings the game into balance,” Kohli concluded.

With two of India’s biggest stars voicing their concerns, the BCCI is likely to face increased pressure to re-evaluate the Impact Player rule for future IPL seasons.