Axar Patel Opposes Impact Player Rule: Read Complete Statement
A big debate has started again. DC captain Axar Patel opposes impact player rule. And he did not hold back.
He said it clearly; he does not like this rule. The reason is simple. It hurts all-rounders like him. Earlier, teams used to value players who could do both – bat and bowl. Now, with this rule, franchises prefer specialists. They think, Why need an all-rounder when you can bring in a batter or bowler anytime?
Axar said this in a press conference before the season. And his words have got everyone talking. Let’s understand his statement and the rule more deeply in today’s KheloSports story.
Statement of Axar Patel
Axar was asked about the impact player rule. His reply was direct.
“I don’t like this rule. I am an all-rounder, and it impacts me. Teams are not preferring all-rounders now. Management is going for a particular batsman or bowler.”
With this statement, Axar Patel opposes impact player rule.
“Since I am an all-rounder, I don’t like the rule. From a personal point of view, though, I don’t like the rule,” he added.
Axar in IPL 2025:
- Last season, he could not bowl much.
- He only bowled 34 overs.
- Axar clarified that it was not because of the Impact Player rule.
- A cut on his spinning finger was the reason behind it.
🚨 AXAR PATEL ON IMPACT PLAYER RULE 🚨
— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 23, 2026
I don’t like this rule. Earlier teams valued all-rounders, now they just pick a batter or bowler. Being an all-rounder, I don’t like it… but rules are rules 🤯
- Impact rule helping teams… hurting all-rounders 🧐 pic.twitter.com/KwwHYs43AQ
IPL Impact Player Rule Explained
The IPL Impact Player rule is simply to bring an additional player to the team. With the help of this, the team can add a substitute player during the match. The substitute can be anyone from the five named players on the team sheet.
This rule was meant to add tactical flexibility. But it changed how teams build their squads.
Now, teams can play an extra specialist batter or bowler. They do not need a proper all-rounder anymore. If a batter is needed, they bring one. If a bowler is needed, they bring one. The middle ground has disappeared. The rule is set to continue till at least 2027.
Effect of Impact Player on All Rounders:
Axar is not alone in this view. Others have said the same before.
Rohit Sharma had earlier said the rule hampers the development of all-rounders in India. Hardik Pandya also raised concerns, saying it has become difficult to fit an all-rounder in the side unless they are equally good with both bat and ball
Think about it. Earlier, a player like Axar was gold. Now, teams can play a pure batter and a pure bowler separately. The all-rounder becomes less needed.
Axar summed it up best. “Being an all-rounder, I am not in favour of it, but rules are rules. We have to follow rules, but I don’t like it”.
It’s time to return to Tiger Territory 🐅🏟️
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 23, 2026
The pre-sale window goes live at 12 pm tomorrow on @district_india , exclusively for @HSBC_IN Credit Cardholders 💙❤️
Don’t have card? Apply now so you don’t miss on upcoming pre-sale! pic.twitter.com/kZFUtO581B
Axar Will Lead Delhi in IPL 2026
This is Axar’s second year as captain. And he says there is more clarity now.
Last season, DC finished fifth. Close but not enough. Axar said the team does not sit and talk about past results. Everyone knows where they could have done better. But the conversation is always about improving from here.
Head coach Hemang Badani backed him fully. He said continuity in leadership gives them a chance to build on what they started.
Delhi's Chances to Win IPL 2026
DC is waiting for its first cup. They played good cricket in recent times. However, the team could not win the cup. Last season they finished fifth.
The squad looks strong this time. Mitchell Starc is expected to join soon, though they are waiting for his NOC from Cricket Australia . If the bowling clicks and batting delivers, DC can go all the way.
KL Rahul Open for Delhi:
KL is going to open the inning for DC. He was batting in the middle last year and performed well. But naturally he is an opener. Now the team will try him in this position.
Now he is back to his favourite position.
“He has always been good in the opening slot, he has made a lot of runs. And if you get a good start in T20 cricket, then it becomes easier for the ones at the back. So, I think till now, we will keep him as an opener,” Axar confirmed .
His opening partner is not finalized yet. Pathum Nissanka, Abishek Porel, and Prithvi Shaw are the options.
About time ⏳👊 pic.twitter.com/AphExKZAS2
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 12, 2026
Final Say
Axar Patel has spoken his mind. He does not like the IPL Impact Player rule. And he has valid reasons.
But at the same time, he knows rules are rules. He will follow them. He will lead Delhi with the same calm and aggressive mindset.
For all-rounders, this rule is a challenge. For fans, it has made the game more exciting with bigger scores. For more such cricket updates, keep following KheloSports.
𝙋𝙊𝙑: 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 🐅🔥 | @HeroFinCorpLtd pic.twitter.com/689tDJK05p
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 23, 2026
FAQs
He feels it reduces the importance of all-rounders.
Axar will lead the team again.
KheloSports is a platform to get all the updates of the season.
They are useful, but with the IPL impact player rule, teams are preferring core players more.
