Not only is Ravichandran Ashwin convinced that the impact player rule is not solely responsible for the high scores witnessed in IPL season, but he also has reasons to back his belief.
The seasoned spinner contributes the batting records to the development of batters and standard pitches in all venues. Moreover, Ravichandran Ashwin cautions that bowlers need to develop their batting skills as the dynamics of cricket change.
He said, “Even if there wasn’t an impact player rule, scores would be this high” after their four-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at JioCinema Match Centre Live on Wednesday in the IPL Eliminator.
In addition, “In future all bowlers will have to be hitters because we know that however well we bowl we must also have some ability to bat. The game is going that way,” he stated.
There has been controversy over the term ‘impact player’ with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma arguing that it hinders growth of all-rounders yet Virat Kohli suggests it distorts balance into a team’s strategy.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah clarified that this is a trial and further discussions with stakeholders will happen before any decision is made about such rules.
Ravichandran Ashwin who had emerged as India’s top wicket taker during England’s 4-1 test series victory revealed first half of tournament he was playing while nursing abdominal injury then later came up with rhythm and adjusted his bowling action by concentrating on altering line and length of deliveries.
“I am someone who depends on bowling repetitions. Over last 6-7 games I feel like my rhythm came back. I was able to bowl off spin. I changed my action slightly. Basically I just wanted to change the line and length of my deliveries and it went well.” said off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
