Former India batter calls for abolition of IPL Impact Player rule
Speaking on Sportstar’s Inside Edge podcast, Manjrekar cited the performance of 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and recent contributions by Rohit Sharma to question the sustainability of the current substitution model.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has publicly urged the Indian Premier League to scrap its Impact Player rule, arguing that the policy impedes the holistic development of young cricketers by encouraging one-dimensional specialisation. Speaking on Sportstar’s Inside Edge podcast, Manjrekar warned that the current framework limits players’ exposure across different disciplines, preventing a comprehensive assessment of their abilities.
Manjrekar pointed to 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a primary example of a talent whose all-round potential is obscured by the rule. Sooryavanshi has been a standout performer in IPL 2026, scoring 583 runs in 14 matches and playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to the playoffs. However, Manjrekar contended that the system allows such players to contribute briefly for full match fees without being tested in other areas of the game.
The former batter expressed concern that the rule creates an environment where specialists can sit out the majority of a match while still receiving full compensation. He cited the performance of Rohit Sharma in a recent fixture, where Sharma scored 22 runs off 15 balls, as evidence of the issue. Manjrekar noted that Sharma’s entire contribution lasted just 15 deliveries, yet he would still receive the full match fee, a model he described as unsustainable for long-term success.
Manjrekar argued that cricket should test players across multiple disciplines to ensure sustainable success, rather than allowing isolated skills to dictate selection and payment. He emphasised that players should be evaluated beyond just batting or bowling, referencing historical standards where fielding and other attributes were integral to a player’s assessment. He cited former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq as an example of a player admired not just for batting, but for his fielding contributions as well.
The former India batter insisted that the game should examine every aspect of a player’s performance to properly assess their value. He stated a desire to see bowlers field as well as bowl, arguing that the current system isolates one skill rather than providing a holistic view of a cricketer’s capabilities. Manjrekar concluded that the Impact Player rule needs to be reconsidered to ensure that young talents like Sooryavanshi are developed into well-rounded players rather than specialists.
