Akshar PatelThe Delhi Capitals captain has openly expressed his reservations about the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying that it reduces the participation of all-rounders in the game. As a player who contributes with both bat and ball, Axar believes this rule could limit opportunities for multi-faceted cricketers to fully impact matches.
However, he clarified that this rule was not the primary reason behind his reduced bowling workload during IPL 2025. Instead, Akshar revealed that the finger injury significantly affected his ability to bowl regularly throughout the season. DC finished fifth in IPL 2025, missing out on a playoff spot.
For Axar personally, it was a challenging campaign with the ball. He bowled the fewest number of overs in a season since 2018 and managed to take only five wickets, finishing with an average of 57.60, his least impressive returns in seven years.
“To be honest, I don't like this rule, because I am an all-rounder (laughs). Earlier, you used to choose an all-rounder for batting and bowling. Because of this rule, the team management goes for a particular batsman or bowler, thinking 'why do we need an all-rounder?'. Since I am an all-rounder, I don't like this rule. Also, rules are rules and we need to follow them. From a personal standpoint, however, I don't like this rule,” the letter quoted. By Cricbuzz.
“The 2025 Champions Trophy was just before the IPL. During the whistle, I got a cut on my rotation finger: when I was bowling, it kept getting cut because of the seam of the ball. It turned into a deep cut. Because of this, I could not put pressure and rotation on the ball. I was bowling less. I was only thinking about bowling where needed and saving my finger. After seven matches, when my finger healed, I Started bowling again. It was not because of the impact player rule,” he said. Added.
Axar has evolved significantly as a T20 cricketer over the years and has evolved into a versatile all-rounder who is capable of adopting multiple roles within a team. Be it playing for India or in the IPL, his flexibility has become one of his biggest strengths. In T20Is, Akshar has been used in a variety of batting positions from No. 3 to No. 9. When asked about handling different roles and whether he has a favorite batting position, Axar made it clear that he prioritizes the needs of the team over personal preference.
“You have seen me the same for so many years: Whatever the team needs, I do. That's why the crisis-guy tag has come. I take up the role as per the team's requirement, whether it is a finisher or a middle-order batsman. We keep discussing: if someone is scoring four in two, or twelve in two, or 80 as an opener: all these roles are important for the team,” Akshar said.
“I go in with the same mindset again and again: Whatever needs to be done, I will play that role. Because if you don't get what you want, you will only get angry and frustrated. And that's what will affect your game. So I keep the team's priorities at the forefront. When you are ready for it, you give your 100%. You are not preparing your mind for a particular situation. I am ready for every role. I am fit to do that. If you don't think that way, you are limiting yourself and if you don't get what you want, you feel depressed and not able to give your 100%,'' he said.
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