WHAT IS IMPACT PLAYER?
The Impact Player is a new concept introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. An Impact Player is a substitute player who can replace any player from the playing XI during a match. The concept aims to provide teams with the flexibility to make tactical changes during the game and add fresh legs to the playing XI if needed.
Advantages:
Flexibility: The Impact Player concept allows teams to make changes to their playing XI during the game, providing more flexibility to teams in terms of tactical changes. This can be particularly useful if a player is not performing well or if the opposition has figured out a particular player’s weaknesses.
Injuries: The Impact Player can also be used to replace an injured player during the game, which helps teams to avoid a situation where they have to play short-handed. This ensures that the team does not lose out on the services of a player for the entire match.
Fresh Legs: The Impact Player can be used to bring fresh legs into the game, which can help teams to maintain the intensity and energy levels of their players. This is particularly useful during long innings or towards the end of the match when players may start to tire.
Disadvantages:
Unpredictability: The Impact Player can make it difficult for teams to predict the playing XI of their opponents, which can result in unanticipated tactics being used against them.
Confusion: The use of an Impact Player can lead to confusion among players and fans,
particularly if the player is substituted frequently. This can result in a lack of continuity in the game and disrupt the flow of play.
Limitation on Player Availability: The Impact Player concept limits the availability of players in the playing XI. Teams are only allowed to make one substitution during the match, which means that they may not be able to use all of their available players.
In conclusion, the Impact Player concept has both advantages and disadvantages. While it provides teams with more flexibility in terms of tactical changes and helps to keep players fresh during the game, it can also lead to unpredictability and confusion. It is up to each team to determine whether the benefits of the Impact Player outweigh the potential drawbacks and decide whether to use it during the game.