Axar has been very open about his dislike of the Impact Player rule that started in 2023. He says because of the rule, teams are less likely to pick true all-rounders, and all-rounders get fewer chances to do everything they can. He says he follows the rule, but he thinks it’s better to choose players the old way.
Axar Patel on the Impact Player rule
He admitted he doesn’t like the rule, and said it’s because he is an all-rounder. Since the rule came in, he explained, teams think differently. They now pick players who are excellent at just one thing (batting or bowling) and then use the Impact Player to add what they need during the game.
Before, teams wanted a balance of players who could do both. Now, the team leaders might choose a specialist batter or bowler and use the Impact Player spot to change the eleven players on the field during the match. This means an all-rounder isn’t as likely to play a full part in the game.
Clarifying the 2025 bowling dip was injury-related
Axar also responded to questions about why he bowled fewer overs in 2025 and had his worst bowling averages in a long time. He said the Impact Player rule didn’t cause him to bowl less; he had a finger injury during the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He said the injury began as a small cut which got worse when he bowled, and the ball’s seam rubbed the cut. He didn’t want to make the injury worse, so he limited the number of overs he bowled and only bowled when he absolutely had to. After about seven games, once the cut had healed, he went back to bowling as much as usual.
Batting versatility and the ‘crisis-man’ reputation
Axar is now a flexible batter in the T20 form of the game as well as a bowler. He’s batted at positions three through nine for his country in T20s and is often called the ‘crisis-man’ for his ability to adjust when under pressure. This ability to change things up gives teams more options for both international and franchise matches.
Axar is all about doing what’s best for the team. He prepares to do whatever the team needs, whether it’s finishing the batting innings or keeping things steady in the middle. He says if you get too focused on batting in only one place, it can harm your performance, and being ready to bat in many positions will help you be more consistent and mentally prepared.
Mitchell Starc update and squad balance concerns
Delhi Capitals are still waiting to find out if left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc will be available. Cricket Australia hasn’t given them the go-ahead yet, and it will depend on how much Starc has played and how fit he is. The coaches say the delay is just a normal part of the process, not a definite ‘no’.
Axar is positive Starc could join at any time. He also said they aren’t forced to find another left-arm bowler if Starc can’t play. Natarajan is healthy and has been doing a good job, and the team can also use an Impact Player if they need to.
Strategic implications for IPL 2026 selection
Axar’s criticism of the Impact Player rule makes IPL teams think carefully about their strategy. Teams now have to decide if specialists or players who can do lots of things are more valuable, and they must consider how substitutions affect things. This impacts how they play on the day and how they build their team over the long term.
For Delhi Capitals, how well the team does will depend on how healthy the players are, how much they play, and if overseas players like Starc are available. Axar’s opinion shows that at least some players and leaders still like the traditional all-rounder role, even though the coaches are getting used to the new rules and trying to find flexible ways to win in the 2026 IPL.
