Delhi Capitals' director of cricket and former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has expressed his support for the IPL's Impact Player rule, while also suggesting a few modifications to enhance the tournament. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Ganguly praised the concept but highlighted a couple of areas for improvement.

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Sourav Ganguly backs IPL's Impact Player rule

Previously, several cricketers and experts, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, criticized the Impact Player Rule introduced in the IPL last year. Both Sharma and Kohli argued that the rule limits the role of all-rounders, which they believe is detrimental to the players.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has also confirmed that the IPL Impact Player rule is an experiment and not a permanent change. However, Sourav Ganguly feels differently as believes that the rule could be used in a better way if few changes are implemented. 

"I like the impact player rule. My only thing with IPL is that I just want the grounds to be a bit bigger. The fences should go a little behind," Sourav Ganguly stated.

Sourav Ganguly further elaborated on the strategic aspect of the Impact Player rule. "It is a great tournament. The only thing you can do with the impact player is decide before the toss, so it's a bit of skill there. So, have the impact player revealed before because that will require a lot of skill and game plan. But, I am all for the impact player," he added.

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Sourav Ganguly on Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw

Ganguly defended Prithvi Shaw, who had a below-par IPL season this year, saying he is still young and learning the tricks of the shortest format.

"He (Prithvi Shaw) is a young kid. He is just 23. He is still learning how to play T20 cricket. He is a very fine talent and he will get better. Sometimes, we expect too much too early from everyone and I am sure Prithvi, with the skills he has, he will do well," he added.

Ganguly said wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant had started playing like the cricketer he was before the car crash in 2022.

"He was superb for us (DC) in the IPL. I was so happy to see the way he came back, because I have always said that he is a special player," Ganguly said.

"Even earlier, I have said that he is exceptional. You don't want such talent to be lost for such disastrous reasons (accident). He has really worked hard to get back to where he is and he is the Rishabh Pant of old."