Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Five IPL All-Rounders Could Benefit if Impact Player Rule Ends
The IPL has a rule that lets each team swap in one player during a match.
The BCCI is asking teams what they think about keeping the rule for the 2027 season.
Some people say the rule makes teams rely less on players who can both bat and bowl.
If the rule goes away, teams may need more all-rounders in their starting teams.
The article names five players who might benefit: Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar and Venkatesh Iyer.
Each can bat and also has some bowling ability.
But they would not automatically bowl more; that would depend on their teams and match situations.
The BCCI is seeking franchise feedback on whether the IPL Impact Player rule should continue ahead of the 2027 season.
Introduced in 2023, the rule lets teams substitute one player during a match to suit their needs.
Critics including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma say the rule has hindered the development of quality all-rounders.
The article identifies Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar and Venkatesh Iyer as potential beneficiaries if the rule is scrapped.
Their value could rise if teams need players who can contribute in both batting and bowling, though increased bowling opportunities are not guaranteed.
- Who
- The BCCI and IPL franchises; five potential beneficiaries named are Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar and Venkatesh Iyer.
- What
- The BCCI is seeking franchise feedback on the future of the Impact Player rule, which could be scrapped.
- When
- Ahead of the 2027 IPL season; the rule was introduced in 2023.
- Where
- The Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Why
- If the rule is abolished, teams may place greater emphasis on players who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Arguments for abolishing the rule
Arguments for retaining the rule
Impact on all-rounders and team selection
Arguments for abolishing the rule
Critics including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma argue that the rule has hindered the development of quality all-rounders; removing it could increase the value of players who bat and bowl.
Arguments for retaining the rule
The rule lets teams bring in an additional specialist batter or bowler during a match, giving franchises flexibility to respond to their requirements.
- Rule introduced
- IPL 2023
- Possible change
- The BCCI is seeking franchise feedback on whether to retain or abolish the rule ahead of IPL 2027.
- Rule's effect
- Teams can substitute one player during a match according to their needs.
- Potential beneficiaries
- Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar and Venkatesh Iyer
- Naman Dhir's T20I debut
- Three wickets for 31 runs against the West Indies in October 2026.
- Dhir's IPL bowling before debut
- 8.4 overs, with no wickets.