The introduction of Impact Player rule has been one of the most debated changes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history. It has completely reshaped team strategies by extending batting lineups and introducing tactical substitutions based on match situations.
Ricky Ponting’s dilemma: Coach vs spectator on impact player rule
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, now head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), shared his candid views on the rule in a recent interview with The Indian Express. Ponting admitted, highlighting the duality of his stance. While he prefers selecting a balanced playing XI without relying on mid-game changes, Ponting acknowledged the entertainment value the rule adds for television audiences.
“As a coach, I’d say no. But as a spectator, I’d probably say yes. These decisions are often influenced by what’s best for viewers and TV. I know this from working in broadcasting—our bosses are always talking about ways to improve the spectacle for a viewer,” Ponting said.
Ponting also questioned the commonly cited reason that the rule gives more Indian players a chance to feature in games. This, according to him, challenges the merit-based structure of team selection, making room for situational picks rather than genuine talent.
“They may say it gives another Indian player a chance, but if they’re good enough, they’d be in the starting XI anyway,” the 50-year-old added.
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Punjab Kings’ tactical use of the rule: Strategy over sentiment
Despite his personal reservations, Ponting and PBKS have demonstrated effective use of the rule. Recalling their opening game of IPL 2025 against Gujarat Titans, Ponting praised the in-match decision-making of skipper Shreyas Iyer and the support staff.
“In our first game, there was a lot of advice going to Shreyas, and he was asking questions about what the game needed,” Ponting revealed. PBKS kept three players on standby—two spinners and fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak—waiting to make a decision based on Gujarat’s batting order. We kept an eye on their dugout, waiting to see if they’d use (Sherfane) Rutherford or Glenn Phillips. Once they made their choice – left-handed Rutherford – it was clear to us which way we should go,” the PBKS head coach explained.
The second match of Punjab saw another example of the rule’s unpredictability. Left-hander Nehal Wadhera was not expected to feature, to the extent that he arrived at the ground with only a single shirt in his kit bag. Yet, thanks to the opposition’s tactical move, he was told to pad up almost instantly.
“When I saw that they’d made their Impact Sub as a left-arm offspinner, I said, ‘mate, you’re going in’. And I said, ‘make the most of the opportunity, play your way’,” Ponting concluded.
