As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) starting on March 28, Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill has voiced his thoughts on the ‘Impact Player’ rule. He believes this rule diminishes the essence of cricket, which he sees as fundamentally an 11-player game. “For me personally, I don’t think the impact player should exist. Cricket is about teamwork, and introducing an extra batsman can dilute the skill involved in the game,” Gill stated.
He elaborated on the necessity of skill in keeping the momentum alive, especially when wickets fall. “There’s a crucial skill set that players must possess to maintain the run rate, even when losing key players. If your batting lineup is reduced, it demands a certain level of expertise to keep the scoreboard ticking and help the team achieve a competitive total,” he explained.
Gill further emphasized the thrill of chasing totals without the impact player’s influence. “Chasing 180 on a difficult pitch or 160 in challenging conditions is far more exhilarating than going after 220 on a flat track. It adds a layer of excitement to the game without making it one-dimensional,” he added.
He concluded by mentioning that the topic was discussed during the recent captains’ meeting before the tournament. “This rule will remain until 2027. We talked about it in yesterday’s captains’ meeting. While I understand it may make the game more entertaining, it’s ultimately up to the BCCI to decide. Personally, I’m not a fan of it,” the 26-year-old cricketer stated.
For IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans will kick off their campaign against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 31 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.