In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not a complete one: Zaheer Khan

India skipper Rohit Sharma recently opined that the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League isn’t helping the all-rounders groom themselves in the tournament. Former cricketer Zaheer Khan echoed the same sentiment, as he believes that the Impact Player rule can only identify half all-rounders and not a complete one.

Notably, the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Dube, and many others haven’t bowled much in the 17th edition of the tournament, which is a massive concern. Iyer bowled only one over in IPL 2024, while Dube hasn’t held the ball at all. Meanwhile, the Chennai Super Kings all-rounder is in the scheme of things for the T20 World Cup, yet his not bowling at all can put him behind the pecking order in the national team.

“I completely agree it’s debatable, little concern for sure. But we need to find a way on how to deal with it. In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not a complete one,” Zaheer said while talking to JioCinema.

Zaheer backs Arshdeep Singh for T20 World Cup 2024

Despite poor form, Zaheer believes that Mohammed Siraj should partner with Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on June 1. The 45-year-old mentioned that in T20 cricket, pacers often leak unexpected runs but expect Siraj to bounce back. He also expects Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh to be in contention along with Khaleel Ahmed, Mohsin Khan, and Yash Dayal.

“The team selection is still two weeks away, but Arshdeep is a serious hopeful and the selectors are looking at him. Khaleel Ahmed, Mohsin Khan and Yash Dayal will also be closely watched. Siraj has been doing very well but at times it’s about the format. But he is potent enough to make a comeback. It’s all about finding the zone again and I think he should be part of the T20 World Cup squad,” Zaheer added.