Tim Southee: The ‘Impact Player’ rule became a topic of discussion before the IPL started. The league started in this order. All the teams are also following this rule and fielding the Tufan players at the crucial stage.
Kolkata Knight Riders Tim Southee
Kolkata Knight Riders: Before the start of the IPL, the ‘Impact Player’ rule became a topic of discussion. The league started in this order. All the teams are also following this rule and fielding the Tufan players at the crucial stage. In an attempt to bring more innovation to the IPL competitions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced some new rules in this edition. In this, after the toss, each team is given the opportunity to nominate five substitute players i.e. impact players along with their playing XI.
In eight matches so far, more than 200 runs have come three times and more than 190 runs four times. Teams have successfully chased scores of over 160 three times. In this order, the star bowler of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, Tim Southee, said that every team is following the impact player rule to examine and strengthen their batting depth.
‘Newness brings with it some uncertainty. Only after the tournament ends on May 28 will the teams get a proper understanding of how to make an impact with the new rule,’ Southee said.
“Every time you introduce new rules, it’s interesting. I’m sure everyone will be more aware of it after the tournament. But for now it looks like an opportunity for teams to strengthen their batting line-up,” the 34-year-old bowler said in an exclusive interview with TV9 network.
“For a bowler, it’s not always ideal. Huge scores are already being recorded in the tournament. This bowler said that how it ends is to be seen.
Southee, who has been playing in the IPL since 2011, is currently Kolkata’s fifth franchise. Southee, who has taken 47 wickets in 53 matches.. This right armer regularly troubles the batsmen with swing and death-bowling.
But after playing in the bio-bubbles for three years, Southee says he is relishing the normal atmosphere at the Eden Gardens. Kolkata, who lost their tournament opening match against Punjab Kings in Mohali, are set to face Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. The New Zealand pacer believes that their team needs a strong home fan base.
“It is very exciting to play at the iconic cricket ground in Kolkata. I am looking forward to playing in Kolkata after three years’, he said.
Southee was one of the 14 players retained by KKR in the auction held in December last year. With regular captain Shreyas Iyer not injured, two-time champion Nitish Rana has not missed the captaincy duties. Southee believes Rana will benefit from immense pressure and intense scrutiny.
“This is an opportunity for Nitish to show his leadership qualities. He captained Delhi in domestic cricket. I am sure he will do great’ he said.
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