Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers acknowledged the batting bonanza in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) but expressed tolerance towards the 'Impact Player' rule.
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This IPL season has witnessed staggering batting displays, with teams effortlessly notching up scores of 200-250. Consequently, many have raised concerns about the necessity of the 'Impact Player' rule, arguing that it unfairly favours batting sides by granting them an additional batter as a substitute.
During an event in Delhi, Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel voiced criticism against this rule.
Speaking on his Youtube Channel on Wednesday, De Villiers said, "It is the batter's game at the moment. They are having a feast and it does not help that the wickets have been incredibly good at the IPL. I was excited when it (Impact Player) was introduced. It is too early for me to call it but I personally do not see too much harm to it."
The South African batsman, who represented RCB from 2011 to 2021, shared his sentiments about spinner Yuzvendra Chahal's departure from the franchise in 2021, describing it as a "heartbreaking moment".
Chahal has been part of Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2022 and recently made history by becoming the first bowler to claim 200 IPL wickets, accomplishing this milestone in the match against Mumbai Indians on Monday.
"RCB let him go. It was a heartbreaking moment. He was a part of the furniture there and also their best bowler. It was crazy that he got left out of that franchise. It is not easy looking at Yuzi go to 200 wickets and him not being a part of RCB," De Villiers said.
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Chahal boasts an impressive record in the IPL, having claimed 200 wickets in 153 matches at an average of 21.37, with his best figures standing at 5/40. Throughout his career, he has notched up six four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.
Starting his journey with Mumbai Indians (2011-2013) and later moving to RCB (2014-2021), Chahal found success with RCB before joining Rajasthan Royals in 2022. Although his stint with Mumbai Indians was brief and yielded no wickets in the solitary match he played, he left a significant mark with RCB, scalping 139 wickets in 113 matches.
Currently representing Rajasthan Royals, Chahal has continued his stellar form, accumulating 61 wickets in 39 matches.
