Suresh Raina slams Impact Player rule; demands more help for bowlers

Suresh Raina, the four-time IPL winner, has strongly criticised the Impact Player rule that has defined the league since its introduction in 2023. The regulation allows teams to make one substitution during each match, with five replacement options submitted after the toss and the change permitted at any point once play begins. Raina’s comments come as the rule remains under review following the 2026 season, amid ongoing debate about its effect on the tournament’s balance.

Speaking on the matter, Raina expressed his concern that the rule has fundamentally altered the competitive landscape of the IPL. Since 2024, the rate of scoring has increased substantially as batters have taken greater risks, emboldened by the availability of impact substitutions.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had previously voiced displeasure with the regulation during the 2024 edition, with Sharma noting that the rule has been hampering the growth of all-rounders in the country.

“I am against the Impact player rule. A lot of fit players also bat and just sit down. How will you improve? There is no such rule in the World Cup. I understand the entertainment factor, but there is nothing left for the bowlers. Earlier, 170 was a competitive score, but now 250 is being chased as well. Even 300 is being scored,” Raina was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The toll on bowlers under the new regulation

The former Chennai Super Kings batter highlighted the dramatic shift in scoring patterns under the new regulation. In the 2024 season, Punjab Kings successfully chased a total exceeding 260 against Kolkata Knight Riders, a chase that would have been considered exceptional in earlier IPL seasons. Scores of 250 and above have become routine across the last three seasons, reflecting how the Impact Player rule has tilted the balance heavily in favour of batting teams.

“Leave something for the bowlers. There is no wicket-taking option. The batters don’t get out, and with extra batters, there will be pressure on the bowlers,” Raina added.

Indian players and foreign league participation

Beyond the Impact Player rule itself, Raina raised concerns about the participation of Indian players in foreign leagues. He argued that Indian cricketers should not be permitted to play overseas competitions, citing the strength of the domestic IPL and India’s current standing in world cricket. Raina noted that Indian players are currently restricted from playing in foreign leagues unless they retire from all forms of international, domestic, and IPL cricket.

“I feel Indian players should not be allowed now. Our league has become very big. When we used to go on Australia and England tours before, I used to ask this. I had come close to playing as well, but then they said no,” Raina noted.

“Now, a lot of outside players come here, and the quality of foreign leagues has also gone down. Back then, I would have definitely said yes. But at this time, we are ruling the world. Cricket is going somewhere else, and our team is very solid,” he concluded.