Delhi Capitals paceman Mukesh Kumar is against the impact player rule and also said it's hampering the growth of all-rounders in the country.

Mukesh Kumar
The Impact Player rule, introduced in 2023 IPL, allows all teams to substitute a player - batter or bowler - during their respective innings as per the demands of the match, but it has raised eyebrows in the ongoing season as bowlers seem to have no respite despite bowling superbly in the powerplay due to this rule and flat decks.

Mukesh, though, said he felt the rule is an unfair one for bowlers as there is no respite even if they get four batters out quickly.

"If 12 players are not playing at the international level, then what is the need of it in IPL? With 12 players, even if four wickets are down, the next player is not scared of getting out or making the team stable, they come and play their shots. So either the nature of tracks should be changed or 12 players should not be allowed."

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey also said that this rule has made things scary from bowlers point of view.

"It's hard for bowlers, especially if the conditions are good for batting because the batting orders are lengthened and batsmen have more freedom to come out and continue to go hard," he said.

"So, it must be a great spectacle for the crowd to keep seeing these scores growing all the time and it probably puts a bigger emphasis on execution with the ball. It can be really difficult at times for bowlers but we've put a big focus on death bowling, particularly with the Impact Player [rule].

"I've been hearing some commentary on people favouring it and not in favour. I think from an entertainment and spectator point of view, it has been really good. From a cricket point of view, we can argue until the cows come home, really. I still think it has been quite good."