Credit: IPL
Shardul Thakur has criticised the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Impact Player rule after Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) played against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the seventh match of IPL 2025. Shardul did a magnificent job with the ball to help LSG claim a convincing five-wicket win. After starting their campaign with a loss against Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow were required to produce their best against SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to hoard two crucial points. Thakur stepped up from LSG and recorded his best IPL bowling figures, clinching 4/34 figures in his four overs. His magnificent bowling display helped Lucknow restrict the home side on 190/9.
The 33-year-old’s performance bolstered LSG batters’ confidence and they helped their side pull off the target in just 16.1 overs. He also got the player of the match (POTM) award for his outstanding bowling. After the game, Shardul said he is not a supporter of matches where teams score 250+ totals in the league. Following the introduction of the Impact Player rule in 2023, 250+ scores have become common in the marquee T20 tournament.
"See, I feel bowlers got very little on these kinds of pitches and even in the last game pre-match, I said that pitches should be prepared in such a manner that the game hangs in the balance for batters and bowlers. Especially after the impact sub-rule coming in, it's not fair on bowlers to see scoreboards 250, 260 and 270 runs every time. That's my honest opinion," said Shardul at the post-match presentation.
Lucknow to host Punjab Kings on April 1 in IPL 2025
After playing a couple of games away, LSG will next play at their home ground Ekana Stadium against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 1. Rishabh Pant, who failed to do wonders with his bat in the initial two games, will strive to produce a solid innings against Punjab.
Punjab played extraordinarily in their opening match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Punjab bagged a 11-run win against Gujarat and started their campaign with confidence. Noting PBKS’ form, Pant and his men will be wary of the 2014 runners-up.
