Faf du Plessis Defends IPL Impact Player Rule After Dramatic DC Victory

Delhi Capitals vice-captain Faf du Plessis praised the IPL's impact player rule after Ashutosh Sharma's remarkable innings of 66 runs off 31 balls led the team to a thrilling one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants. Despite struggling at 65-5 while chasing a target of 210, Sharma's performance, alongside Vipraj Nigam's 39 off 15, turned the match around, reminiscent of South Africa's famous 2006 chase against Australia. Du Plessis acknowledged that while some players criticize the rule for undermining all-rounders, it can create exciting moments in matches. He highlighted the significance of Sharma's contributions, particularly during high-pressure situations, and noted that the extra batter provided by the impact player rule can change the dynamics of a game. The match showcased the potential of uncapped Indian players, with both Sharma and Nigam demonstrating their power-hitting abilities on a challenging pitch. Ultimately, the victory marked a strong start for Delhi Capitals in the IPL season.