Overview:
He spoke against the Impact Player Rule, saying it is not good for the all-rounders as franchises prefer batters and bowlers.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel opined on Team India’s visits to temples during the bilateral series and ICC tournaments. During the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Indian players visited temples ahead of their matches. After the Men in Blue’s title win, captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah went to Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad to seek blessings.
Axar was asked about the tradition and whether it will continue during the 19th season of the Indian Premier League 2026. The all-rounder gave a straightforward reply, saying it is a decision taken by all the players.
“Visiting temples is not a bad thing. We go to temples where we can’t go otherwise. We are provided with security during tournaments,” Axar said during a Delhi Capitals presser before the start of a new IPL season.
Meanwhile, he spoke against the Impact Player Rule, saying it is not good for the all-rounders as franchises prefer batters and bowlers.
Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma are also not in favour of the rule, which slows teams to substitute anyone from their playing XIs with five of the listed players in the match.
The Impact Sub Rule was introduced in 2023, and it is likely to continue till 2027. In 2024, Rohit had said that it was hampering the development of the all-rounders in India. Hardik mentioned that it was not easy to go with the all-rounders in the team unless they are good with both bat and ball.
Responding to a PTI question, India’s T20I vice-captain opened up on the rule.
“I am an all-rounder, so I don’t like this rule. Earlier, we used to bring in all-rounders, but now the team management goes with a batter or bowler as they don’t need all-rounders. Being an all-rounder, I am not in favour of it, but rules are rules. We have to follow rules, but I don’t like it,” he concluded.