Impact Player is being used in IPL in the ongoing edition. A few other leagues might also adopt this soon. It may not be a surprise even if ICC considers this rule in the future. India would be happy in this case because that allows the management to make use of the depth of talent in the nation. While batting first, unless there is a collapse, a bowler comes on in the second innings. On that note, here, we take a look at two players Team India might use as Impact Player while batting first if the rule comes to international cricket.
1) Umran Malik
Umran Malik is mostly used in the middle overs as an enforcer. Be it with Sunrisers Hyderabad or Team India, his usage has been more or less similar. Hence, Umran features on this list.
Since he does not add great value to the batting department, Umran can be used as an Impact Substitute. In the starting XI, the team could already name three frontline pacers and depending on the conditions, the J&K youngster could come into the picture in the second inning.
2) Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is one of the players Team India might use as an Impact Player while batting first if the rule comes to international cricket. When it comes to Team India, Chahal’s performance has not been consistent recently. Nevertheless, he is the best leggie available for India right now.
Chahal also does not add much value with the willow. Hence, it is logical that he comes in as the Impact Player. In the starting XI, depending on the conditions, India could have someone like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the first-choice spinners. Then, depending on the context of the game, Chahal could get a chance to make an impact during the middle-overs.
