RCB's Hesson sheds views on 'Impact Player' rule ahead of IPL 2023 opener; 'I quite like it..'

Bengaluru, Mar 25 (PTI) Royal Challengers Bangalore's director of cricket Mike Hesson likes newly-introduced 'Impact Player' rule and feels all-rounders will have a bigger role to play this IPL because of invation.

Under 'Impact Player' rule, a batter or bowler can be replaced in middle of game as per match situation, in order to make it more exciting.

"I think we heard about Impact Player before auction, so obviously we looked at it and thought about how can we maximise it. Potential for all-rounder to play a big part. So actually re is some strategy involved in it," Hesson said in a video posted on RCB's twitter handle.

"I quite like it... I actually thought it brought a little intrigue. You could introduce player anytime. So wher batter is being dismissed or t... It was a nice development." 

Kiwi, however, was of view that two different team sheets at toss is set to negate Impact Player rule quite a bit.

"It's a substitute rule. So you name at toss wher you have a batting eleven which will obviously be stronger," Hesson said.

"And if you bat first you will swap out a batter and bring in an extra bowler so vice versa and or way around. So after toss, you give m your batting 11 and bowling 11. So it's t an impact rule w it's a substitute rule."

Teams can also review wide and balls in upcoming IPL, and Hesson said it's a welcome move.

"It is already being used in WPL I think more people become used to it more instinctively y will look to challenge I think it's a good rule. 

"I guess what you don't want is (for it to) be umpire's decision to be highlight of game," he said.

"It removes that (confusion) of wher it's a waist-high ball or wher it's called a wide when flicked pads or vice versa actually. All players and spectators want is as many decisions right as possible to take a bit of pressure off umpire which I think is a good thing."

Talking about or rules to be introduced in this year's IPL, Hesson said: "So if you don't complete your 19th over by time you have to bring an extra fielder inside circle."

"That rule has been in place in or tournaments around world and will be here for first time in IPL. re won't be as many discussions between batter and bowler. It is a good rule."

RCB will open ir campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at Chinnaswamy Stadium here on April 2.