Naman Dhir says Impact Player rule limits his bowling opportunities in IPL
Naman Dhir says the Impact Player rule has restricted his bowling chances in the IPL even as he contributes with the ball for India.
Naman Dhir said the Impact Player rule in the IPL has limited his opportunities to bowl, despite being a batting all-rounder who enjoys bowling. The Mumbai Indians all-rounder has taken five wickets in three T20Is against West Indies and is currently India’s leading wicket-taker in the series.
Dhir made his T20I debut in Lucknow and claimed three wickets for 31 runs in his first match. He followed that with two wickets for 39 runs in the third T20I at Indore. He said coaches and captain have told him he will bat at number six or seven depending on the situation.
The Punjab cricketer added that his responsibility with the ball is to bowl two or three overs economically when the team needs him. He said thinking like a batter while bowling helps him stay one step ahead of opponents.
CricHubb Take
Dhir’s admission reveals a structural problem. The Impact Player rule rewards pure batters in the IPL, yet the national team now values the same player for his ability to bowl two or three tight overs. That mismatch will only grow as more all-rounders find their T20I opportunities limited by franchise economics.