What if the IPL’s most exciting innovation is secretly hurting Indian cricket?

That’s the curveball Rahul Dravid just bowled—and it’s turning heads across the cricketing world.

Currently the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, Dravid recently admitted that he “wasn’t particularly fond” of the Impact Player rule during his tenure as India’s head coach. While fans are loving the explosive scores and unpredictable tactics it brings to the IPL, Dravid says it’s not all sunshine behind the scenes.

“It makes the IPL more competitive, no doubt,” Dravid acknowledged. “But from a national team perspective, it posed some serious challenges.”

So what’s the issue? The rule allows teams to sub in a specialist mid-game, enhancing strategy—but at a cost. It’s reducing the opportunities for emerging players to develop as true all-rounders, especially bowlers who now get sidelined when their batting isn’t required.

Dravid’s not alone. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have both raised red flags about the rule’s long-term consequences. The twist? What’s boosting IPL entertainment may actually be weakening the foundation of Team India’s future squads.

And let’s face it—India’s bench strength isn’t built overnight. It’s crafted over seasons of giving young players the grind of dual roles, the chance to fail, learn, and evolve. But with the Impact Player rule, those opportunities are shrinking.

So here's the dilemma:

Do we keep chasing viral sixes and last-over thrillers, or do we think long-term about building a robust national team?

Dravid’s callout isn’t just a hot take—it’s a warning shot. The rule might be winning matches today, but is it silently benching tomorrow’s superstars?

As the debate heats up, one thing’s clear: the Impact Player rule isn’t just changing the game. It’s changing the future of the game.

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