IPL 2023 | ‘Impact player’ rule makes captain’s job tough: Hardik Pandya

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya said the Indian Premier League’s new “impact player” rule makes his job difficult because there are several options to choose from.

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya said the Indian Premier League's new "impact player" rule makes his job difficult because there are several options to choose from.

For the first time in IPL's history, teams this season will be allowed to make a tactical substitution with an impact player coming in to bat or bowl as needed.

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Led by Pandya, Gujarat began their title defence with a five-wicket victory over four-times champions Chennai Super Kings in the season-opening match in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Chennai set Gujarat a target of 179 after Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a sensational 92, but his heroics went in vain as Shubman Gill's 63, combined with late cameos by Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia, helped the defending champions seal a win.

Chennai's Tushar Deshpande became the first impact player when he came in for Ambati Rayudu during their defence, while Gujarat's Sai Sudharsan replaced New Zealand's Kane Williamson and batted at no. 3 after he injured his knee while fielding.

"To be very honest, having this impact rule makes my job quite difficult because when you have too many options, you have to pick the right option, and I think because of this reason, someone will bowl less," Pandya said.