Impact Player rule provides extra cushion to batters to go hard at the end: Shubman Gill

The Impact Player has a bit of role to play in making the matches high scoring as it provides an extra layer of cushion for batters to attack the bowlers, feels Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill.

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season saw its 20th 200-plus score as Delhi Capitals piled on 224/4 against Gujarat Titans in Delhi on Wednesday.

“I think Impact Player has a bit of a role (in making the matches high scoring), even if you lose extra wickets, extra cushion is there for the batters to keep going and it gives the license for the batters to keep going till the end,” Gill said after GT’s four-run loss.

Despite starting well, GT bowlers allowed DC to make a comeback as Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel forged a 113 run-stand and Gill felt his side was guilty of giving away extra runs.

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“At one stage we thought we will be able to restrict them around 200-210. We gave away a few extra runs in the last couple of overs,” Gill said.

“But the good thing about chasing is that you know what you are chasing. It’s a small ground, and it’s chase-able. Execution becomes very important [for bowlers]. If there’s nothing in the wicket for the bowlers, then you have to execute your plans - or your yorkers.”

Match-winning captain Pant was back to his destructive best as he smashed 88 not out of 43 balls. He was adjudged the Player of the Match for his knock. The wicketkeeper batter has embraced return to the cricket field after missing out for over a year due to injuries sustained in a serious car accident.

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“Everyday that I’m in the middle, I feel better. Every hour on the field matters, I love being on the field,” Pant said.

“I try to give it my 100% and it takes some time sometimes. I think the first six in the match gives me the confidence in a game. The more time I spend in the centre, the better I feel.”