Pragyan Ojha blocks Rohit Sharma's and Virat Kohli's recommendations to BCCI

Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha has shared his views on the game-changing Impact Player Rule that has taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm, and his take is nothing short of exciting.

This innovative rule has not only led to sky-high scores and bowlers being hit across the ground in the IPL, but Ojha said that it has led to a revolution in team strategies.

The Impact Player rule was introduced in 2023, which has pushed franchises to think beyond the conventional, forcing teams to get creative with their game plans, according to Ojha.

Pragyan Ojha praises Impact Player Rule for revolutionizing IPL strategies

Pragyan Ojha said that this rule has reshaped the IPL landscape, leading to massive totals that have kept fans engaging. Ojha believes that the rule is more than just a quirk of the IPL, and it is a sign of evolution in the game.

By forcing players and teams to think outside the box, Ojha further noted that the IPL has developed a unique identity that sets it apart from other leagues around the world, driving excitement among the players and fans.

Pragyan Ojha said that this rule doesn’t just benefit the IPL, but cricket as well, as it offers a platform for new tactics, dynamic play, and a level of unpredictability that captivates fans.

With the world watching, the Impact Player rule is carving out its legacy in the history of cricket, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist in a tournament that continues to break new ground.

Pragyan Ojha was quoted as saying by Insidesport: “These are the things (Impact player rule) which will eventually evolve because these are the new laws of a tournament which one have to use to your advantage.”

Ojha highlighted a particular moment that epitomized this shift in thinking, involving none other than the strategic mastermind Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

We don’t know how each team will use this rule: Ojha

During a high-pressure match for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Ashwin made the shocking decision to retire himself in the 19th over—a move designed to give his team the upper hand.

This bold and unexpected decision showed just how much the Impact Player rule has transformed the way teams approach the game in the IPL. The beauty of this rule lies in its predictability.

Teams can no longer afford to take anything for granted, as a single substitution can flip the game on its head. With IPL teams now regularly hitting scores of 200 or even 220, leading to the unmatched thrill with explosive shifts in momentum.

Pragyan Ojha added, “We don’t know how each team will use this. We saw Ravichandran Ashwin getting retired out for his team’s (Rajasthan Royals) benefit. So, these are the laws which you can really use it well and take advantage of. It pushes you to plan well because if one player gets in, things totally change.

So, it’s different challenges for everybody where one cannot take things for granted. I know 200 or 220 looks easy in IPL. But that is the beauty about any league or any country that it has to be its own. So, they have developed something which will give some excitement to the fans or maybe it will help you enhance as a strategy. So why not?”