NEW DELHI: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced strong reservations about the Impact Player rule in the IPL, arguing that the format may stall the long-term growth of younger prospects. His comments centre on Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whom he believes is not being assessed fully because of how the rule shapes participation.
Manjrekar targets the Impact Player model
Manjrekar, speaking on Sportstar’s Inside Edge podcast, suggested the IPL’s Impact Player framework could be encouraging a more one-dimensional style of cricket. He questioned whether the league is inadvertently limiting how much audiences and teams can learn about a developing player’s complete skill set.
- Manjrekar said he is increasingly convinced the Impact Player rule should be removed, citing its potential to restrict a full view of a youngster’s abilities.
- He specifically asked whether fans and franchises want to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi “only” in one dimension of his game, rather than understanding his full profile as a cricketer.
Sooryavanshi’s rise and the development question
Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the major talking points of IPL 2026. The 15-year-old has amassed 583 runs in 14 matches and has been a meaningful part of Rajasthan Royals’ run to the playoffs. Despite those returns, Manjrekar believes the current system is preventing a comprehensive evaluation of the youngster.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15, has scored 583 runs across 14 IPL 2026 matches.
- His contributions have helped Rajasthan Royals reach the playoffs.
- Manjrekar’s contention is that the Impact Player rule may be limiting how thoroughly the youngster is tested across the full scope of match situations.
“Cricket should test across disciplines”
In his broader argument, Manjrekar said cricket should challenge players in multiple facets instead of allowing limited, specialist contributions before they sit out the remainder of the contest. To make his point, he referenced a recent performance by Rohit Sharma, highlighting how short bursts can still earn the same match outcome incentives.
- Manjrekar pointed to Rohit Sharma scoring 22 runs off 15 balls, noting that Rohit’s overall contribution amounted to those 15 deliveries in that game.
- He added that Rohit would still receive the full match fee or the associated compensation package despite the limited involvement.
- Manjrekar argued that when earning potential is tied to minimal effort, it invites questions about the sustainability of such a model.
From batting and bowling to fielding too
Manjrekar also pushed the idea that players should be judged beyond single-skill outputs. He drew a contrast with past admiration for multi-dimensional performers, saying earlier generations valued talents not only for batting, but for how they affected the game elsewhere—particularly in the field.
- He stressed that a cricketer should contribute across disciplines rather than only batting or only bowling.
- Manjrekar cited Inzamam-ul-Haq as an example of how players were appreciated not just for batting, but also for the other side of their game shown in the field.
- He said that wider coverage of skills helps properly assess and understand a player.
What Manjrekar wants to see next
For Manjrekar, the core issue remains player development. He wants the game to demand more complete participation, arguing that limiting overs or spells based on the Impact Player structure can narrow what teams learn about a player’s full capabilities.
- He said he wants the sport to test players more thoroughly.
- If a player is a good bowler, he argued, the evaluation shouldn’t stop at bowling four overs; it should also cover how the player performs in other areas such as fielding.
- Manjrekar maintained that the match should examine every aspect of a player, rather than focusing on one isolated skill.
Manjrekar’s remarks come as IPL 2026 continues to throw up high-profile young performers and debates about how best to balance tactical flexibility with skill development. The next IPL viewing focus for fans remains the upcoming RCB vs GT match, alongside continuing coverage of the Orange Cap and Purple Cap race.
