'I like the idea of an impact player' - Rohit Sharma backs new rule ahead of IPL 2023

With the excitement building around the upcoming Indian Premier League, fresh updates regarding the same have been coming in with each passing day. In such a recent development, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma has opened up on the latest inclusion to the dynamic IPL, the rule of 'impact player'.

The new rule would allow a team to name 12 instead of 11 players before each of their games where 11 of the named players would take the field with the extra player sitting until being called in to replace any one of the existing members of the playing XI. The replacement can occur after the fall of a wicket or in between overs.

However, it must be noted that at no point during the game can a team exceed its allotted quota of four overseas players. Thus, an overseas player can be used as an 'impact player' only if the team is already playing with less than four overseas players. Also, a player once replaced, won't be able to take part in the game any further. 

While the introduction of this rule has been subjected to much appreciation and skepticism at almost equal levels, the Indian national captain recently came forward to back its implementation.

Rohit said that it was good to have newer innovations and that more about the rule's impact on the game would be unearthed as time passes.

"It's interesting to have new innovations coming into the game," said Rohit.

"Only time will tell what happens and how the team will cope with this new rule, but I like the idea of an impact player coming in and changing your team after the toss," he further added.

Mark Boucher expects the rule of 'impact player' to be "quite influential"

Apart from Rohit, the new rule has found the backing of Mumbai Indians coach Mark Boucher as well who commented on it, saying that the rule of 'impact player' would be "quite influential", especially in Indian conditions.

"Especially in India the dew plays a big part if you are playing in night time," said Boucher as the former South African gloveman hinted at the usefulness of the new rule in situations when the conditions demand a change in the playing arrangement.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2023 campaign on April 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the latter's home venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.