Axar Patel Slams Impact Player Rule, Calls It Unfair to All-Rounders

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Impact Player rule, stating that it diminishes the importance and role of all-rounders in T20 cricket. As IPL 2026 approaches, Axar’s candid remarks have once again brought the debated rule into focus.

Introduced in IPL 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during a match, often enabling sides to field either an extra specialist batter or bowler depending on the situation. While the rule has added tactical depth and flexibility, it has also sparked criticism—particularly from players who pride themselves on contributing in multiple disciplines.

Axar, known for his dual ability with bat and ball, did not hold back when sharing his personal opinion. “I don’t like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder,” he said with a smile. His statement reflects a broader concern among multi-skilled players who feel the rule has shifted team balance in favor of specialists.

According to Axar, the traditional value of an all-rounder—someone who offers both batting and bowling options—has been diluted. “Earlier, you would pick an all-rounder for both roles. Now, with this rule, teams think differently. They prefer picking a specialist batter or bowler, asking why they even need an all-rounder,” he explained.

Despite his reservations, Axar acknowledged that the rule is now part of the game and must be accepted. “Rules are rules, and we have to follow them,” he added. However, his personal stance remains unchanged—he believes the rule does not favor players like him.

Clarifying His Bowling Dip

Axar’s comments also come in the context of his relatively quiet IPL 2025 season with the ball. The left-arm spinner bowled only 34 overs—the lowest he has delivered in a season since 2018—and picked up just five wickets at an average of 57.60, his poorest return in seven years.

Given the timing, many speculated that the Impact Player rule might have limited his bowling opportunities. However, Axar clarified that the primary reason was not tactical but physical—a finger injury sustained earlier in the year.

“The Champions Trophy was right before the IPL, and during that tournament, my spinning finger got a cut,” he revealed. The injury worsened over time, especially due to the repeated friction caused by the seam of the ball while bowling.

Ye bhi pade:

Surreal and Unforgettable”: Virat Kohli Reflects on RCB’s Historic First IPL Title

“It became a deep cut, and I couldn’t apply pressure or get proper rotation on the ball,” Axar explained. As a result, he consciously reduced his bowling workload during the early part of the IPL season to prevent further damage.

“I decided to bowl only when necessary and save my finger. After about seven matches, when it healed, I started bowling again,” he said. This clarification puts to rest speculation that his reduced role was influenced by team strategy or the Impact Player rule.

A True Team Player

While Axar’s bowling may have dipped temporarily, his evolution as a batter has been one of the most notable aspects of his T20 career. Over the past few years, he has transformed into a versatile batting option, capable of performing across multiple positions.

In international cricket, Axar has batted everywhere from No. 3 to No. 9, often stepping in during challenging situations. His ability to adapt has earned him the tag of a “crisis man”—a player who can stabilize or accelerate innings depending on the match scenario.

When asked about his preferred batting position, Axar made it clear that personal preference takes a backseat to team requirements. “I’ve always been the same. Whatever the team needs, I do that,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of understanding different roles within a team. “Whether someone scores four runs off two balls, 12 off two, or 80 as an opener—every role is important,” he noted.

Axar believes that being mentally prepared for any situation is key to success. “If you fix your mind on one position and don’t get it, you feel disappointed. That affects your game,” he explained.

Instead, he adopts a flexible mindset, focusing on the team’s priorities rather than individual expectations. “When you are open to any role, you can give your 100%. Otherwise, you limit yourself,” he added.

Coach’s Contrasting Perspective

Interestingly, while Axar remains skeptical of the Impact Player rule, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani offered a contrasting viewpoint.

Badani believes the rule aligns with the evolving nature of modern T20 cricket, where high-scoring matches have become the norm. “Cricket has reached a stage where 180 is no longer a winning score,” he said.

He pointed to recent global tournaments, including World Cups, where teams have consistently posted totals in excess of 240 or even 250. According to Badani, this shift in scoring patterns reflects a change in mindset rather than just tactical adjustments.

“I think the intent of players has changed. Even in tournaments without the Impact Player rule, we are seeing aggressive batting,” he explained. For him, the rule complements this trend, encouraging teams to play with greater freedom and attacking intent.

Badani suggested that this approach is likely to define the future of T20 cricket. “This is the direction the format is heading in,” he added.

Awaiting Clarity on Mitchell Starc

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are still awaiting confirmation regarding the availability of Mitchell Starc for IPL 2026.

Badani confirmed that the franchise is in communication with Cricket Australia and is waiting for the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC). “Once we get clarity, we will know when he will join the squad,” he said.

Starc’s participation could be crucial for Delhi Capitals, given his experience and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

The Bigger Picture

The debate around the Impact Player rule highlights a broader conversation about the balance between innovation and tradition in cricket. While the rule has introduced new strategic dimensions, it has also raised questions about the role of all-rounders—players who have historically been among the most valuable assets in the game.

For Axar Patel, the issue is personal as well as professional. As someone who has built his career on versatility, he sees the rule as a limitation rather than an opportunity.

At the same time, voices like Hemang Badani’s reflect a different perspective—one that embraces change and views the rule as part of the sport’s natural evolution.

As IPL 2026 unfolds, it will be interesting to see how teams continue to adapt to the Impact Player rule—and whether it continues to divide opinion among players and experts alike.