NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals' fast bowling coach Shane Bond has expressed his backing for the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League, emphasizing its contribution to the excitement and competitiveness of T20 cricket.
Bond's endorsement comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the rule's effectiveness and its impact on the game's dynamics.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Bond articulated his satisfaction with the rule, highlighting its role in elevating run-scoring and intensifying the pressure on bowlers. He emphasized the necessity for bowlers to adapt to the evolving demands of the format and improve their strategies to counter the dominance of batsmen.
"Impact player, I like the rule, I like seeing sixes, I like seeing runs and I like seeing bowlers put under pressure," Bond stated, underscoring the rule's positive influence on the spectacle of high-scoring encounters witnessed in the current IPL season.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by bowlers in adjusting to the rule's implications, Bond pointed out the exemplary performance of players like Jasprit Bumrah, who continue to excel amidst the batting onslaught. He expressed optimism for the enhancement of bowling standards in future seasons, urging bowlers to strive for improvement.
"It still amazes me the quality of hitting in cricket. Bowlers haven't caught up. They have to plan better, they have to think better, they have to make better decisions and that is my job," Bond remarked, emphasizing the need for bowlers to raise their game in response to the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket.
As the IPL season progresses, the Impact Player rule remains a subject of debate, with stakeholders deliberating its future following the tournament's conclusion. Amidst differing opinions, Bond's endorsement adds to the discourse surrounding the rule's potential impact on the future of T20 cricket.
(With inputs from ANI)
