The recently appointed LSG mentor, Zaheer Khan has voiced strong support for IPL’s impact Player rule although Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gave mixed reactions to it.
Lucknow Super Giants’ newly appointed mentor, Zaheer Khan, has voiced strong support for the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) impact player rule, which he believes enhances the overall quality of Indian cricket. Zaheer, who took on his role as mentor on Wednesday following Gautam Gambhir’s departure to focus on his duties as India’s head coach, addressed the rule during a press conference at the team’s owner’s headquarters.
The impact player rule, introduced in the 2023 IPL season, has sparked debate. While prominent players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have voiced concerns, with Kohli arguing it disrupts the balance of the game and Rohit admitting he is “not a big fan,” Zaheer remains a staunch advocate. He stated, “There has been a debate around the impact of sub-rule. I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it.”
Zaheer, who previously played for the Mumbai Indians and served as the franchise’s director of cricket, believes the rule has been beneficial, particularly for young and uncapped Indian players. “It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. This will become evident in the mega auction when teams start focusing on these players,” he said.
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He also emphasized the importance of match experience for young cricketers, noting, “The time spent in match time, it’s something you cannot beat. That’s the biggest plus.” Addressing concerns about the rule affecting all-rounders, Zaheer explained that while there may be less space for part-time all-rounders, genuine all-rounders will remain valuable. “If you are a genuine all-rounder, no one can stop you. There is always going to be value added with your ability to bat and bowl,” he concluded.
Last Updated on August 29, 2024