With IPL 2024 updates creating buzz on social Media, from Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians Captain to auctions taking place today, 19 December, yet another introduction of a ‘new’ rule has created excitement among fans.
The Indian Premier League 2024 is set to observe a major change in the rules. BCCI has introduced a new rule, permitting bowlers to bowl two bouncers in an over, bringing Bowlers at par with the batsmen in terms of fairer competition, as per Media reports.
The implementation of this adjustment was previously hindered by concerns about player safety. Following successful trial runs and continuous recommendations, the change is set to be finally put into effect. This rule underwent testing during the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In IPL 2023, The BCCI introduced the Impact Player rule which will reportedly continue in IPL 2024, which requires teams to designate four substitutes in addition to declaring the Playing XI at the toss. Among these substitutes, one can be designated as an impact player. Despite this rule, teams are constrained to fielding only four overseas players in their XI. Consequently, if an overseas player is selected as an impact player, they must replace another foreign cricketer in the lineup.
Team strategies have undergone subtle changes due to the Impact Player rule, notably influencing the role and value of all-rounders. In the previous season, players like Venkatesh Iyer, Vijay Shankar, and Shivam Dube, known for their dual abilities, primarily played as batsmen.
Photo: ESPNCricinfo
IPL 2024 is expected to be held from 22 March to the end of May. The final schedule is dependent on the announcement of details related to India's general elections.
Jaydev Unadkat explained the ‘new rule’
Jaydev Unadkat, an experienced IPL player who represented Saurashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, commended the alteration. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he expressed his belief that the allowance of two bouncers per over is a valuable change, providing bowlers with an additional advantage over batsmen
Unadkat explained that the change allows bowlers to maintain unpredictability. For instance, after delivering a slower bouncer, the batsman might assume there won't be another. Now, with the option to bowl two bouncers in an over, the bowler gains an advantage, forcing the batsman to be more equip at handling bouncers.
He emphasised that this seemingly small adjustment has a significant impact, providing bowlers with an advantage. In the death overs, fast bowlers now have more strategic choices, moving beyond just relying on yorkers. With the allowance of two bouncers, the bowling repertoire expands to include yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers, creating a more versatile and challenging scenario for batsmen.
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