The Rajasthan Royals are enjoying a strong start to IPL 2023, largely due to their effective use of the impact substitute rule. Currently leading the points table with four victories in their first five games, the team has demonstrated the benefits of this new tactic, which has been particularly advantageous in boosting their batting prowess.
Though none of the team’s bowlers, including Adam Zampa, Murugan Ashwin, and Navdeep Saini, have made a significant impact as substitutes, it is the batters who have shone in critical moments. Dhruv Jurel’s 32 not out off 15 balls against Punjab Kings and Devdutt Padikkal’s crucial 26 against Gujarat Titans have both been instrumental in the Royals’ success.
Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been substituted out twice in five matches, acknowledged the effectiveness of the tactic ahead of the Royals’ game against the Lucknow Super Giants. Chahal praised Jurel and Padikkal, noting that their strong performances as impact substitutes more than make up for his own limitations with the bat.
Chahal also expressed his excitement about playing at the larger Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where he feels his skills as a spinner will be more valuable. In addition, he emphasized his enjoyment of bowling alongside senior Ravichandran Ashwin and Australia’s Adam Zampa, with the three forming a strong bond.
With 11 wickets in five matches so far, Chahal is focused on helping the team win the trophy rather than individual accolades such as the Purple Cap, which he won last season as the highest wicket-taker.