Zaheer Khan echoes Rohit Sharma's views on Impact Player rule, says it's producing 'half all-rounders'

In a recent online interaction by Jio Cinema, Zaheer Khan, the former Indian pacer, expressed his reservations about the 'Impact Player' rule introduced in the IPL for the 2023 season. Echoing sentiments previously voiced by India's captain Rohit Sharma, Zaheer criticized the rule for producing what he described as "half all-rounders." This new rule allows IPL teams to substitute a player, either a batter or bowler, during the innings, which has sparked a debate over its impact on the role of all-rounders within the teams.

The rule's implementation has led to a situation where players like Shivam Dube, known for his dual skills as a power-hitter and a medium pacer, have been underutilized in one aspect of their capabilities. Despite being a potential seam bowling all-rounder for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, Dube has rarely had the opportunity to bowl in matches, as his franchise, the Chennai Super Kings, has primarily used him for his batting prowess.

Zaheer's concerns were voiced during a JioCinema facilitated discussion, where he stated, "I completely agree it's debatable, little concern for sure. But we need to find a way on how to deal with it. In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not a complete one." His comments underline a growing unease with how the new rule could potentially dilute the essence of a true all-rounder's role in the game.

In addition to his concerns about the 'Impact Player' rule, Zaheer also touched upon the selection considerations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, especially regarding the Indian pace attack. He advocated for Mohammed Siraj, despite Siraj's current form concerns with Royal Challengers Bangalore where he has claimed only four wickets in six innings with a strike rate of 33.00 and an economy rate of 10.41.

Furthermore, Zaheer highlighted the potential of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, along with other promising talents such as Khaleel Ahmed, Mohsin Khan, and Yash Dayal, whom the selectors are keeping an eye on. "The team selection is still two weeks away but Arshdeep is a serious hopeful and the selectors are looking at him," Zaheer remarked, adding that "Siraj has been doing very well but at times it's about the format. But he is potent enough to make a comeback. It's all about finding the zone again and I think he should be part of the T20 World Cup squad."

Addressing another aspect of team composition, Zaheer supported Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper's role in the World Cup, noting his impressive return to form after a long hiatus. "I am happy with his progress. I was not confident how he will fare after such a long break ahead of the IPL. But in the last 6-7 matches his progress, his leadership, skills and wicket-keeping succeeded in all aspects."

Zaheer also commented on the changing dynamics of franchise cricket, especially in the context of leadership changes such as Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians' captain. Despite mixed reactions from fans and a not-so-stable performance under Pandya's early captaincy, Zaheer believes that "There is no better way to deal with this than let your game speak."