Arjun Tendulkar criticises 'Impact Player' rule

• Arjun Tendulkar criticised IPL's Impact Player rule, citing it deviates from traditional cricket norms.
• Tendulkar, bought by LSG for INR 30 lakh, previously played 3 IPL games across 3 seasons with MI.
• The Impact Player rule, introduced for squad flexibility, puts bowlers under pressure, Tendulkar noted.

The Lucknow Super Giants player, Arjun Tendulkar, had criticised the impact player rule in the IPL ahead of the season opener against the Delhi Capitals. He was picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026

auction for INR 30 Lakh. In the 2021 season, he was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for the first time but was ruled out due to an injury.

Impact Player Rule Sparks Debate as Bowlers Bear the Brunt

"I am against the Impact player rule because in cricket, it should traditionally be a playing 11 on the team, not 12, and there is no such rule in any T20 league in the world,” said Arjun Tendulkar. He was visibly disappointed with being benched across the seasons he was picked by the Mumbai Indians, and he had only played for 3 games in his entire IPL career despite being picked in the squad for 3 consecutive seasons.  

🚨 ARJUN TENDULKAR CRITICIZE IMPACT PLAYER RULE IN IPL 🚨 Arjun Tendulkar said 🗣️ "I am against Impact player rule because in cricket, it should traditionally be a playing 11 on the team, not 12, and there is no such rule in any T20 league in the world. Because of this rule,… pic.twitter.com/SUTZQ60F6s

— AK 45 (@ImRo45_Club) April 1, 2026

The Impact player rule was introduced to add flexibility to the squad and to increase the competitiveness of the league. It indeed does go against the fundamental regulation of the game, but it also gives the batters the cushion to play their heart out as they know that there is still more power to come down the order. It has worked in favour of many franchises as they are given the freedom to shuffle between options. This rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League, could contribute to the fearless approach of the young debutants, but could be perceived in a negative way as well. Just like any concept has its limitations, this rule has its flaws as well. The bowlers would be put under immense pressure to tighten their length as the batters are not considerate anymore. Arjun Tendulkar, being a bowler, could definitely understand the difficulty the bowlers face due to the rule and how it has a negative effect on their performance.

In the 2026 IPL season, the Mumbai pacer will be hoping to start a few games and make a positive impact in the league. Arjun Tendulkar was tired of warming the bench in the Mumbai Indians' dugout, and this change of environment could motivate him to perform well in this season.