Overview
- Sanjay Manjrekar said on Monday that the IPL’s Impact Player rule lets substitutes contribute only with bat or ball and evade full-fielding duties, and he urged the BCCI to scrap the rule.
- Manjrekar used examples such as Rohit Sharma and Inzamam to argue the rule can produce one-dimensional players who are not tested under match pressure.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter with 583 runs in 14 matches, remains a leading run-scorer while critics say his limited field time may hide weaknesses.
- Zubin Bharucha, who scouted Sooryavanshi, defended the youngster’s arm and agility, creating a public split between commentators warning about development and coaches supporting the player.
- The debate matters for selectors and player pathways because the rule changes in-match incentives, can reward brief contributions with full payment, and may shape how talent is evaluated for India selection.