Sachin Tendulkar shares the ultimate wish list to reshape modern IPL cricket

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has called for the scrapping of the controversial Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League, claiming it has tipped the balance further in favor of batsmen in the already high-scoring era of T20 cricket.

Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Tendulkar said the rule introduced in 2023 created an imbalance by allowing teams to effectively field the next batting in a format that already encourages aggressive stroke play.

The Impact Player rule allows franchises to replace a member of their playing XI with one of five nominated substitutes at any stage of a match.

Although the rule added a tactical dimension to the IPL, it also faced criticism from players and pundits who believe it diminishes the importance of all-rounders and limits bowlers’ ability to influence matches.

“I feel there are a few things I can say personally. I think the Impact Player has to go,” Tendulkar said.

“I feel that in the T20 format, you only need to play 20 overs and then you add one more batting to that line-up. Where the bowlers are already challenged, I find that imbalance.”

His comments come amid growing concern over the number of massive totals posted in the IPL, with bat-friendly bowlers and evolving T20 strategies making life increasingly difficult for bowlers.

Cricket is still evolving and few understand the game better than #SachinTendulkar

In this fascinating interview, Sachin shares his personal suggestions for T20 cricket and the rule changes he would like to see in the format.

Do you agree with the Master?

Watch pic.twitter.com/0T6HaDLPCH— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2026

New ideas for rebalancing

Tendulkar also suggested changes to the power-play structure in an attempt to give captains more control and help bowlers regain some influence in matches.

Currently, teams enjoy a six-over batting power play, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Tendulkar suggested dividing this phase into two parts.

Under his proposal, the first four overs would remain unchanged, while the remaining two overs could be used later in the innings at the discretion of the fielding captain.

During these overs, the fielders would only be allowed two fielders outside the circle, creating a tactical bowling power play that could be deployed at key moments.

“Those two consecutive overs should be decided by the fielding captain as and when he wants them,” explained Tendulkar.

Allow the best bowlers to mix more

The former Indian captain also suggested increasing the maximum quota for one bowler from four overs to five.

Tendulkar argued that teams should be allowed to use their opening bowler for a larger part of the innings, as star batsmen are often able to bat the full 20 overs.

“One bowler should be allowed to bowl five overs. Because the best bowler in the side always bowls the fifth over,” he said.

“Wouldn’t you like to see more of the best bowler? The best batsmen sometimes bowl 20 overs. Why can’t the best bowler play five overs?”

The Impact Player rule has previously been criticized by several leading Indian cricketers, including captain Shubman Gill and former captain Rohit Sharma. Tendulkar’s comments are likely to add fresh impetus to the debate over whether IPL regulations are making the match between bat and ball increasingly one-sided.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

31 May 2026 14:38 IST