Sachin Tendulkar’s top IPL suggestion: Scrap Impact Player rule, allow 5 overs per bowler

Sachin Tendulkar (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has called for major changes to the IPL playing rules, including the removal of the Impact Player rule, which he believes has tilted the game too much in favor of the batsmen.The Impact Player rule, introduced before the 2023 season, allows teams to replace a starting XI player with one of five substitutes at any stage of a match. Although the innovation was designed to add tactical flexibility, it remained a subject of debate among players and experts.Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Tendulkar made it clear that he was not a fan of the regulation.“I feel there are a few things that, on a personal note I can say, I think an impact player has to go,” Tendulkar said at the ESPNcricinfo awards.“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.”With teams regularly posting huge totals on batting-friendly pitches, Tendulkar feels the rule has further widened the gap between batsmen and bowlers.The rule also faced criticism from several leading cricketers, including Indian captain Shubman Gill and former captain Rohit Sharma, who both questioned its impact on the role of all-rounders and the overall balance of the game.To solve the problem, Tendulkar suggested tweaking the power play system by introducing power bowling to give captains more control over field placement.“(In) a six-inning power play with a fielding restriction, only two outfielders are permitted. The first four innings shall be a power play by batters with the same fielding restrictions.“The remaining two overs should be decided by the fielding captain as and when he wants. These two consecutive overs will also get one extra fielder out of the ring at any stage of the game,” Tendulkar said.“So you (the fielding side) are able to control the game better.The former India captain also suggested increasing the maximum number of runs a bowler can deliver in a T20 innings from four to five, allowing teams to rely more on their front-rowers.“One bowler should be allowed to bowl five overs. Because the best bowler in the side always bowls the fifth over.”“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?” he asked.