The Impact Player rule allows IPL teams to designate five substitutes alongside the starting XI. During the match, the captain can bring in one substitute, called the Impact Player, to replace a starting XI player.
Here’s a breakdown of the Impact Player concept in IPL:
Selection: Before the toss, teams nominate five substitutes along with their playing XI.
Activation: During the match, the captain can introduce one substitute at a designated break, such as an innings start, between overs, after a wicket falls, or when a batter retires.
Impact: The Impact Player can fully participate, batting or bowling their complete quota like any other player.
Restriction: Only one Impact Player is allowed per match, and the batting lineup remains limited to 11 players.
Key Point: This rule helps teams adapt their strategy mid-game, like introducing a specialist bowler in a collapse or a power hitter during a chase.
List of Impact Players Used in IPL 2024 (updated after RR vs PBKS match)
In Match 65 of IPL 2024 between RR and PBKS:
- RR Impact Player: Dhruv Jurel (BAT) replaced Donovan Ferreira (BAT). Ferreira contributed 7 runs before being substituted, while Jurel failed to score, making 0 runs.
- PBKS Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma (BAT) replaced Arshdeep Singh (BOWL). Arshdeep took 1 wicket for 31 runs, and Ashutosh added 17 runs with the bat.
The Impact Player rule showcased contrasting outcomes for both teams in this match.
| Match | Impact Player | Replaced Player |
| RR vs PBKS | Donovan Ferreira (RR) | Dhruv Jurel (RR) |
| RR vs PBKS | Ashutosh Sharma (PBKS) | Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) |
| DC vs LSG | Ishant Sharma (DC) | Abhishek Porel (DC) |
| DC vs LSG | Ayush Badoni (LSG) | Mohsin Khan (LSG) |
| RCB vs DC | Swapnil Singh (RCB) | Rajat Patidar (RCB) |
| RCB vs DC | David Warner (DC) | Khaleel Ahmed (DC) |
| CSK vs RR | Sameer Rizvi (CSK) | Daryl Mitchell (CSK) |
| CSK vs RR | Nandre Burger (RR) | Dhruv Jurel (RR) |
| KKR vs MI | Vaibhav Arora (KKR) | Nitish Rana (KKR) |
| KKR vs MI | Rohit Sharma (MI) | Nuwan Thushara (MI) |
| GT vs CSK | Sandeep Warrier (GT) | Sai Sudharsan (GT) |
| GT vs CSK | Ajinkya Rahane (CSK) | Tushar Deshpande (CSK) |
| PBKS vs RCB | Jitesh Sharma (PBKS) | Vidhwath Kaverappa (PBKS) |
| PBKS vs RCB | Yash Dayal (RCB) | Rajat Patidar (RCB) |
| SRH vs LSG | Abhishek Sharma (SRH) | T Natarajan (SRH) |
Who can be the Impact Player?
The Impact Player is selected from the five substitutes named before the match. The captain must notify the on-field umpire when making the substitution, ensuring a smooth transition during the game.
When can the Impact player be introduced in the match?
An Impact Player can be introduced at strategic moments during an IPL match: before an innings, between overs, after a wicket, or upon a batter’s retirement. If a bowler is brought in after a wicket falls, they can only start bowling from the next over onward.
What role can the Impact player play during the game?
The Impact Player rule allows flexibility, enabling the substitute to bat any number of overs or bowl a full four-over quota, regardless of whom they replace. Teams can strategically utilize this by fielding an extra batter in the first innings and swapping them for a bowler in the second, or vice versa, to optimize their lineup based on the match scenario.
When can the impact player be Indian and overseas?
The Impact Player rule maintains the IPL’s four-overseas-player limit. Teams with four overseas players in the starting XI cannot introduce another as the Impact Player. However, if fewer than four overseas players are in the original lineup, an overseas player may be brought in as the Impact Player, ensuring flexibility while upholding league regulations.
Can an Impact Player be substituted in case of injury or concussion?
When an Impact Player joins the playing XI, standard injury and concussion rules apply. For injuries, a substitute can replace the player but will face batting and bowling restrictions. In case of concussion, a like-for-like replacement is permitted, ensuring fair gameplay while addressing player safety.
