Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan acknowledged that the game of cricket has undergone a lot of change this year, but he does not see staggering scores being made in the upcoming T20 World Cup like the ongoing IPL in the absence of the ‘Impact Player’ rule.
The Impact Player rule was introduced in the IPL last year. Under this rule, each team can name as many as four substitute players along with their playing XI at the toss. One of them can replace a member from the original XI during the match and the player will be called Impact Player.
The IPL 2024 season has seen a string of high scores. In fact, three of the highest totals in the history of the tournament have been posted this season. Allowing teams to play an extra batter or a bowler is believed to have bolstered the number of 250+ scores.
“I feel as if the game itself has changed this year, which is why scores of 250 are being put on. The mindset has certainly changed,” Dhawan told PTI.
“But when you go into the World Cup which won’t have the impact player rule, the impact of it would be seen definitely. That is a differentiator and how we adapt to the conditions is what will matter the most.
“The mindset has changed after the introduction of the impact player. When a batter in the middle knows that there is batting available till number 8 and 9, he is going to take the aggressive route which is why so many high scores are being made,” he added.
Dhawan also shared his two cents on India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, saying that the selectors have picked a balanced squad and Rohit Sharma’s men can end the ICC trophy drought this time around.
“All bases have been covered. The team looks balanced and India has got a very good chance (of winning the title),” the southpaw said.
“Rohit is a seasoned captain and the boys are very happy and comfortable around him. We have got a very good and experienced side with amazing youngsters and we have a very good chance to win the World Cup,” he further stated.
Shikhar Dhawan conceded that Punjab Kings endured a dismal IPL campaign this season. The left-hander entered the IPL as Punjab’s skipper but was sidelined due to a shoulder injury he sustained early last month.
“I could play only five matches this year after which I got injured. We had won two matches until then. I stayed with the team and did my rehab, which is something I am doing even now. But the injury is serious and I will be out of action.
“Even the team could not do well. Whenever experienced players get injured, it impacts the team. But the boys gave their everything and it was unfortunate it did not go our way,” Dhawan said.
(With PTI Inputs)
