New Delhi, 23 March (H.S.):

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel dropped a bombshell days before IPL 2026 venting his deep frustration with the Impact Player rule calling it a straight jacket on all-rounders and a game-changer that sidelines versatile players like him.

In a candid pre-season chat Axar didnt mince words. I dont like this rule honestly because Im an all-rounder he told reporters with a wry laugh. Back then teams picked all-rounders for both bat and ball now squads lean hard on specialist batters or bowlers making guys like me less essential.

Rules are rules though so we play by them he conceded but personally it sticks in my craw.

His bowling dipped hard last season just 34 overs five wickets his worst haul in years. Not the Impact rule Axar shot back – blame a spinning finger gash from ICC Champions Trophy 2025 that wrecked his grip and bite.

Axar shrugged off his Crisis Man tag owning any role the team needs. Ive batted from 3 to 9 whatever the side demands I deliver he said. Chasing personal faves breeds letdowns – team first always.

Head coach Hemang Badani sang a different tune. Cricket moves fast now 180 runs wont cut it were seeing 240-250 scores he noted. Impact Player juices that attacking mindset.

On Mitchell Starc Badani said Cricket Australia NOC pending then well know if he joins. Delhi Capitals kick off April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow gunning to shake off last years fifth-place heartbreak.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar