DC vs SRH: After Rohit Sharma's criticism, Ricky Ponting delivers brutally honest verdict on IPL's Impact Player rule

Former Australian captain and the head coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Ricky Ponting, shared his opinion on the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ponting was seemingly not impressed much with the Impact Player rule in the IPL, as he left it to fans to decide its fate.

The legendary Australian batter said that the Impact Player rule should only continue if it brings enjoyment to fans. However, the Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach also stressed the need for review if this change is causing confusion among the fans in the world’s biggest T20 league.

Notably, the impact player rule was introduced in the IPL last year, and it has been a matter of debate among the cricket fraternity since its introduction in the league. Recently, Rohit Sharma raised concerns about its potential impact on the development of all-rounders and their use in the games.

Doesn't know what's going on: Ricky Ponting on Impact Player Rule

Now, Ponting said that selecting 11 players for an IPL match is simpler for a coach compared to choosing five additional Impact Player options alongside the playing XI. However, the Delhi Capitals (DC) coach said that the decision to retain or remove the rule should be based on the preferences of viewers.

Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “It'd be really interesting to hear what the public think about it. If the everyday viewer really likes it and thinks it's good, then it can continue. If the average person gets a bit confused by it and doesn't know what's going on - an Impact Player here, someone goes in, someone comes out - if they are confused by it [then you have a rethink]. At the end of the day, we've got to think about the product that's going there and what everyone's watching as well.”

Earlier, Indian captain and former Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma expressed his concerns regarding the Impact Player rule. The senior opener believes that the Impact Player rule could hamper the development of all-rounders, so he is not a big fan of this rule.

Rohit emphasized that cricket is traditionally played by 11 players, not 12. He also said that the rule reduces the essence of the game in favor of providing entertainment for fans. Meanwhile, the right-hander is currently in great form with the bat for Mumbai in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Delhi Capitals (DC) set to face SRH in a home game

The Mumbai Indians (MI) opener is presently the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with 297 runs in 7 games so far. Rohit will be next seen in action on April 22, when MI will take on the table-topper Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next IPL 2024 game in Jaipur.

On the other hand, Ponting’s Delhi Capitals (DC) returned to winning ways after suffering early setbacks this season. Delhi is presently standing in the 6th spot with 6 points from 7 games in the IPL 2025 points table. DC will be hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 35th IPL 2025 match on Saturday, April 20, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.