“If the typical individual will get a bit confused by it and would not know what is going on on – an Impression Participant right here, somebody goes in, somebody comes out – if they’re confused by it [then you have a rethink]. On the finish of the day, we have got to consider the product that is going there and what everybody’s watching as effectively.”
From his perspective as a coach, Ponting admitted he wasn’t too eager on the Impression Participant rule, which was launched by the IPL within the 2023 season, permitting a crew to usher in a twelfth participant as a tactical substitute. Whereas the transfer was welcomed by captains, coaches and gamers in its inaugural run final season, there have been voices of opposition this 12 months. Amongst them is India captain Rohit Sharma, who led Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL titles.
Ponting agreed with Rohit, and mentioned it might be an easier job for a coach if he solely needed to choose one of the best XI.
“From a participant’s level and a coach’s viewpoint, the sport could be a lot simpler in the event you simply choose 11, simply choose your finest 11 and put the 11 on the park and go and play,” Ponting mentioned. “As a result of I am going to inform you now, we’ll sit again after coaching tonight and choose our groups and you have to choose two groups and you have to have your 5 impression guys.
“There’s so many alternative methods you’ll be able to go round doing that, completely different combos. It really is usually a little bit of a nightmare.”
The Impression Participant has helped groups, particularly these stacked with energy hitters corresponding to Sunrisers and Kolkata Knight Riders, to bat explosively throughout the three phases this season and set totals in extra of 250 greater than as soon as. A complete of 549 runs have been scored in what was a batting gala in Bengaluru the place RCB misplaced to Sunrisers by 25 runs.
Ponting, who was busy overseeing Capitals’ coaching on Monday night in Motera, was knowledgeable by his son Fletcher about Sunrisers making 287 in Bengaluru on the again of a blistering Travis Head century.
“So if the Impression Participant is making it a greater spectacle, then it ought to keep.”