IPL 2024: AB de Villiers opens up on ‘Impact Player’ rule, terms Yuzvendra Chahal’s departure from RCB as ‘heartbreaking ‘ | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers expressed his thoughts on the much-talked-about “Impact Player” rule. Despite the high-scoring matches and batters dominating the tournament, de Villiers believes that the new rule does not pose significant harm to the game.
Delhi Capitals (DC) all-rounder Axar Patel criticized the ‘Impact Player’ rule, suggesting that it favours the batting team by allowing them to substitute an extra batter.Similarly, a Gujarat Titans batter also expressed his reservations about the rule ahead of their match against DC.

De Villiers, speaking on his YouTube channel, acknowledged the batters’ dominance in the IPL, attributing it to the excellent wicket conditions. While he was initially excited about the introduction of the ‘Impact Player’ rule, he believes it is too early to make a definitive judgment on its impact.

“It is the batter’s game at the moment. They are having a feast and it does not help that the wickets have been incredibly good at the IPL. I was excited when it (Impact Player) was introduced. It is too early for me to call it, but I personally do not see too much harm to it,” the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter said.
Furthermore, de Villiers shared his thoughts on Yuzvendra Chahal‘s departure from RCB in 2021, describing it as a “heartbreaking moment.”

Chahal, who recently became the first bowler to reach 200 IPL wickets while playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR), was an integral part of RCB’s team. De Villiers expressed his disbelief at Chahal’s exclusion from the franchise, considering his significant contributions as their best bowler.
“RCB let him go. It was a heartbreaking moment. He was a part of the furniture there and also their best bowler. It was crazy that he got left out of that franchise. It is not easy looking at Yuzi go to 200 wickets and him not being a part of RCB,” he said.
Chahal’s impressive IPL career spans across three teams: Mumbai Indians (2011-13), RCB (2014-21), and RR (2022-present). In 153 matches, he has taken 200 wickets at an average of 21.37, with best figures of 5/40.
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While he had a brief stint with MI, Chahal’s most successful period was with RCB, where he claimed 139 wickets in 113 matches. Since joining RR, he has continued his excellent form, taking 61 wickets in 39 matches.
(Inputs from ANI)