The 'Impact Player' in IPL 2023 has garnered everyone's attention from the day BCCI announced its introduction in this edition. In the opening match of IPL 2023 between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, one thing that was on everyone's mind was how the teams are going to use it and who will be the designated 'impact players'.
CSK became the first team in the IPL to use the Impact Player by bringing in pacer Tushar Deshpande in place of Ambati Rayudu. GT too were forced to use it after Kane Williamson suffered a nasty injury while trying to take a catch in the boundary. The New Zealand great was replaced by Sai Sudarshan, who became GT's first-ever Impact Player.
While teams in IPL are taking nascent steps on how to ace it, the experts, meanwhile, have given thumbs up to the 'Impact Player' on Star Sports, the official TV broadcasters of the tournament.
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar gave his thumbs up to the new rule introduced by the BCCI as it has increased the curiosity quotient of everyone involved. The legendary India cricketer believes the teams might need some time to ace this new rule.
"You need some time to understand new rules and acclimatise with new playing conditions. The same will be the case with all ten teams in IPL 2023. They will need some time to ace it." Gavaskar said.
{{/usCountry}}"You need some time to understand new rules and acclimatise with new playing conditions. The same will be the case with all ten teams in IPL 2023. They will need some time to ace it." Gavaskar said.
{{/usCountry}}Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, meanwhile, lauded the think tank in IPL for coming up with this innovative rule. "It's a very innovative move as you can now replace a player whom you feel is not suitable or has served his purpose with someone who can make an impact in the current playing conditions. So, kudos to BCCI, it's a very good rule," Harbhajan told Star Sports.