Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal stated on Saturday that although the Impact Player rule has made life more difficult for spinners in the IPL, he is happy that the team’s hitters have continuously made up for it by chasing down significant totals this season.
In four of their seven games this season, Punjab’s bowlers have given up totals of 200 or more, while in another match, they have given up 195.
Nonetheless, their batting team has consistently performed admirably, chasing formidable targets.
“It’s not easy to bowl in IPL, especially when you have an impact player. But the best thing is that if we are conceding 210 runs, then our batsmen are able to overhaul the target. We are trying our level best (to be better),” PTI quoted Chahal telling reporters after PBKS win over Delhi Capitals.
The Impact Player rule, which was implemented in 2023, permits teams to replace any player in the starting lineup at any time during the game with one of the five specified replacements.
“Dealing with the impact sub rule can be a bit challenging, but you simply have to adapt because that is what the tournament requires. This is the direction that the format is headed in and we have to find solutions because we cannot change it.”
Chahal showered Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh with praise for his brilliant 26-ball 76 and his explosive 126-run opening partnership with Priyansh Arya. Singh laid the groundwork for Punjab Kings’ six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, completing the most successful run chase in T20 history with seven balls to spare.
“It is very hard to bowl to him. Everyone takes (Heinrich) Klaasen or (Nicholas) Pooran’s name. But I have bowled to him in practice matches and it is very hard to bowl to Prabh, especially in the 6 overs.
“He has worked very hard in the last 2-3 years. The way he has batted today, it is because of the hard work of the last 2-3 years. As a bowler, I am happy that he is in my team because I have bowled to him. Ricky has had a massive influence on him.”
Chahal reflected on the team’s attitude in the dressing room prior to the tough chase and said they were still optimistic about pulling it off.
“We accepted the total and we were all feeling very positive before the innings. We know the quality we possess with the bat. It was a batting friendly wicket. We needed an excellent start if we wanted to chase this total, and we got just that and more from Prabhsimran and Priyansh. After the first 6 overs, we knew we were in the driving seat,” he added.
