Cricket

The "impact player" rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023, has sparked a debate among cricket experts. While some believe it adds excitement to the game, others argue that it undermines the role of all-rounders.IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has acknowledged the mixed reactions to the rule, stating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is open to reviewing it after the current season. "We will definitely look into it and discuss with all parties involved," Dhumal said.The rule allows teams to substitute a player from their bench with an "impact player" at any point during the match. This player can be used as a batter, bowler, or fielder, providing teams with tactical flexibility.However, critics argue that the rule marginalizes all-rounders, who are now less likely to get a chance to bowl or bat. India captain Rohit Sharma, who plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has expressed his concerns about the impact on all-rounders."I am not a big fan of the impact sub rule," Sharma said. "It is going to hold all-rounders back. Cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. You are taking so much from the game to make it entertaining for people around."Sharma believes that the rule gives teams an unfair advantage if they bat well and don't lose wickets, as they can add another bowler to their lineup. He also argues that it reduces the importance of the No. 7 and No. 8 batters.Despite the concerns raised by Sharma and others, Dhumal emphasized that the BCCI is open to feedback and will consider all perspectives before making a decision on the future of the rule.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has revealed that he has opted to stay at home during Mumbai Indians' home matches in the ongoing IPL 2024. This decision marks a departure from his previous practice of staying with his teammates at the team hotel.In a recent interview, Rohit explained that he prefers to stay at home when matches are held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He arrives at the stadium an hour before team meetings and spends the rest of his time with his family."I am staying at home actually. The last four matches Mumbai Indians played here (Wankhede), I was staying at home. Just going an hour before when we have the team meeting. It's been good, a little different but good," Rohit said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.Rohit also shared his views on the Impact Player Rule introduced in the IPL this season. He expressed concerns that it could hinder the development of young all-rounders."I genuinely feel it is going to hold back the development of all-rounders because eventually cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. So I am not a big fan of the Impact Player Rule because you are taking so much from the game just to make it a little more entertaining for the people around you. But just in the cricketing aspect of it, I feel guys like Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube are not getting to bowl, which is not a good thing for us (India)," Rohit said.While acknowledging the entertainment value of the rule, Rohit emphasized that it could compromise the integrity of the game."It is entertaining though, as there are 12 players to select from and whoever that Impact player is, can see how the game is going and change it based on what you need, and how the pitch is behaving. If you bat well and don't lose too many wickets, you can add a bowler, which gives you the option of having 6-7 bowlers. You don't need that extra batter because a lot of the teams upfront are batting well and you hardly see No. 7 or 8 coming to bat," he added.

India's Test cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his desire to resume bilateral series with Pakistan, citing the potential benefits for the format. This statement has garnered a positive response from former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who believes sports can bridge the gap between the two nations.Rohit's comments came during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, where he acknowledged Pakistan's strong bowling lineup and the competitive nature of their matches. He emphasized that playing Pakistan overseas would be a "great contest" and would benefit Test cricket.Afridi praised Rohit's "positive statement," stating that it aligns with his belief that sports can foster better relations between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the historical role of cricket in building bridges between the two countries and expressed his hope that bilateral series would resume.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2007-08. Since then, political tensions have prevented the resumption of regular matches. However, both teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup last year, where India emerged victorious.The two sides are scheduled to meet again during the T20 World Cup later this year, with their match set to take place in New York on June 9. This encounter is highly anticipated by fans of both countries and could serve as a catalyst for further dialogue and cooperation.Rohit's statement and Afridi's response have reignited hopes for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. While political factors remain a challenge, the desire for sporting competition and the potential benefits for Test cricket could provide a compelling case for overcoming these obstacles.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to announce the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup later this month. According to reports, India captain Rohit Sharma will meet with the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, and other office bearers to discuss the 15-man probables. The meeting is expected to take place on April 27 or 28 in Delhi.Rohit Sharma will be in the national capital during that time for the IPL 2024 match between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, which will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, April 27. Agarkar is currently on vacation in Spain but will return in time for the meeting in Delhi.The deadline to submit the 15-man squad list to the ICC is May 1. Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj are all expected to make the cut for the squad.However, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's place in the team is not certain. His selection will depend on his performance in IPL 2024. Pandya, who is currently leading Mumbai Indians, hasn't been bowling in full tilt this season, while his batting has also been average.The selectors are also monitoring the situation between Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the openers slot. Gill currently has the edge over Jaiswal, who has struggled in the first seven games for Rajasthan Royals. However, his performances in the past might force the selectors to think otherwise.One of either Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube could be left out of the squad. As far as India's second wicketkeeper is concerned, the selectors are keeping a close eye on the likes of Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan, who is currently out of a central contract.Yuzvendra Chahal is in contention for a place in the squad, but the likes of Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi are also in the race. Chahal hasn't played a T20 World Cup yet, but his experience and IPL performances might give him the edge.

The Indian cricket team's provisional squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup will be announced on May 1st. According to sources, the BCCI selectors are likely to opt for a conservative approach, relying on experienced players rather than experimenting with new faces.Ten players are considered automatic choices for the squad: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav.However, there is some uncertainty surrounding the backup opener's role. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are the frontrunners for the spot, but if both are selected, one of the finishers, Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh, may be left out.Dube has been in impressive form for Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing IPL, scoring 245 runs in seven games at an average of 49 and a strike rate of 157.05. Rinku Singh, on the other hand, has scored 83 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 162.75 and an average of 27.67.However, Dube's recent dismissal against Chennai Super Kings raised concerns about a flaw in his batting technique. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed out that Dube's tendency to play shots outside the off stump line could be exploited by bowlers.In the IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings, openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock played a crucial role in LSG's comfortable eight-wicket victory. The duo put on a match-winning partnership of 134, the highest for any wicket at the Ekana Stadium.Ravindra Jadeja top-scored for CSK with an unbeaten 57, while Moeen Ali and MS Dhoni provided late fireworks with their six-hitting. However, CSK's total of 176 for six proved insufficient as Rahul and De Kock chased down the target with ease.

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, has sparked mixed reactions among coaches and players. While some welcome the tactical flexibility it offers, others, including Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting, have expressed concerns.Ponting acknowledges that the rule has led to higher scores and more explosive batting, as teams can bring in a 12th player as a substitute. However, he admits that it can be a "nightmare" for coaches who must now select two teams and consider various combinations.Ponting agrees with India captain Rohit Sharma's assessment that the Impact Player rule may hinder the development of all-rounders. He believes that it would be easier for coaches to simply select their best XI and avoid the complexities of the rule.Despite his reservations, Ponting recognizes that the Impact Player has made the IPL a more entertaining spectacle for viewers. He points to the record-breaking match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, where 549 runs were scored."If the Impact Player is making it a better spectacle, then it should stay," Ponting said. "More runs are being scored, and people are mesmerized by the cricket."However, Ponting emphasizes that the rule should be evaluated based on public feedback. If viewers find it confusing or detrimental to the overall quality of the game, it may need to be reconsidered.

Rohit Sharma's future with the Mumbai Indians has been a subject of intense speculation since he was replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya. Rumors have circulated that he may leave the franchise ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. However, no official confirmation has been made.Amidst this uncertainty, an alleged quote from Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta went viral on social media. The quote claimed that Zinta would "bet her life" to acquire Rohit Sharma for her team.Zinta has since taken to Twitter to denounce the quote as fake. She stated that she holds Rohit Sharma in high regard and is a big fan, but has never discussed him in any interview or made such a statement.Zinta also expressed respect for Shikhar Dhawan, who is currently injured. She suggested that the timing of the fake articles was in poor taste.Zinta urged the media to refrain from circulating the false information and embarrassing all parties involved. She emphasized that the Punjab Kings' focus is on winning games and making the most of the 2024 IPL season.The alleged quote and Zinta's subsequent denial have added fuel to the speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's future. However, until an official announcement is made, it remains unclear whether he will remain with the Mumbai Indians or seek a new home in the IPL.

Rohit Sharma Mania Grips Mullanpur as Mumbai Indians TriumphThe MYSI Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur witnessed an outpouring of adoration for Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma during their thrilling encounter with Punjab Kings on Thursday. Chants of "Mumbai Cha Raja, Rohit Sharma" reverberated throughout the stadium, led by a Sam Curran doppelganger who ignited the crowd's enthusiasm.The Curran doppelganger, a regular fixture at recent India international and IPL matches, bears an uncanny resemblance to Punjab Kings all-rounder Sam Curran, who captained the hosts in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. His infectious energy and unwavering support for Rohit Sharma captivated the spectators.On the field, Mumbai Indians faced a stern challenge from Punjab Kings, who were inspired by a sensational 61 from Ashutosh Sharma. Sharma's whirlwind knock brought Punjab to the brink of victory, but his dismissal in the 18th over swung the momentum back in Mumbai's favor.Despite losing early wickets, Punjab fought back valiantly through Sharma and Shashank Singh (41 off 25). However, Mumbai's bowlers held their nerve, restricting Punjab to 183 all-out in 19.1 overs.Suryakumar Yadav was the star performer for Mumbai with the bat, scoring a crucial 78 to guide his team to a competitive total of 192 for seven. Mumbai's third win in seven games lifted them up the standings, while Punjab's slide continued with their fifth loss in seven matches.The victory was a testament to the enduring popularity of Rohit Sharma and the resilience of the Mumbai Indians. The team's fans, including the enthusiastic Curran doppelganger, played a significant role in creating an electric atmosphere that propelled Mumbai to victory.

Rohit Sharma Expresses Concerns Over 'Impact Player' Rule Ahead of T20 World CupMumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has voiced his reservations about the 'impact player' rule introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that it could have detrimental effects on Team India's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.The 'impact player' rule allows teams to substitute a player from their bench after the first innings, providing them with an additional tactical option. However, Rohit believes that this rule could hinder the development of all-rounders, who are crucial for India's success in the shortest format."I am not a big fan of the Impact sub rule," Rohit said in a recent podcast. "It is going to hold all-rounders back. Eventually, cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. You are taking so much from the game to make it entertaining for people around."Rohit pointed out that all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are not getting enough bowling opportunities due to the 'impact player' rule. This, he believes, could be a major concern for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, where all-rounders play a pivotal role."If you look just from the cricketing aspect of it, I feel guys like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar aren't getting to bowl, which for us is not a good thing," Rohit said. "I don't know what you can do about it. There are 12 players for you, it is entertaining, you can bring on the impact player after watching how the game is going, how the pitch is behaving."Rohit's concerns were echoed by former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who co-hosted the podcast. Gilchrist expressed concerns that the 'impact player' rule could compromise the integrity of cricket for the sake of entertainment."I think it has added something special," Gilchrist said. "It's all built for spectators and for their entertainment. But you are compromising the fundamental of cricket. Why T20 was so entertaining, because you were not compromising with the integrity of cricket."Gilchrist pointed out that the number of high-scoring matches in the IPL has increased significantly since the introduction of the 'impact player' rule, suggesting that it may be encouraging teams to take more risks and play more aggressively."It is 11 vs 11, same size field, the field restrictions are also the same," Gilchrist said. "There was no gimmick needed. I think it is a bit concerning."Rohit and Gilchrist's concerns highlight the potential impact of the 'impact player' rule on the development of all-rounders and the overall balance of the game. As Team India prepares for the T20 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether the rule will have a positive or negative effect on their chances of success.