5 Teams that can benefit from the 'power player' rule in IPL 2020

In a bid to make T20 cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) more exciting, the BCCI has come up with a new rule for the upcoming season. The ‘Power Player’ rule is likely to change the way how T20 cricket in perceived. Just like the ‘Super Sub’ rule in ODIs back in 2005, a ‘Power Player’ rule is being introduced for the upcoming season.

Teams will announce a 15-man squad before the game begins. At any stage of the game, either after the fall of a wicket or the end of the over, a side can bring in a substitute for a player in the ‘Playing XI’. With the introduction of this rule, some of the teams might be highly benefitted.

Here are five teams that can benefit from the ‘Power Player’ rule:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

In the last couple of seasons, ever since CSK has made its comeback into the IPL, MS Dhoni has been quite picky about his elevens. Keeping the oppositions and the conditions in mind, he has made several smart moves. But on several occasions in the past, he has gone ahead with just three overseas players in the side instead of four. While this decision has worked in his favour at times, it didn’t at the other times.

Primarily, there have been concerns with regards to the CSK bowling line-up which has clearly been the weaker link. The bowlers tend to get quite expensive at times and the conditions don’t really suit them. With the introduction of the ‘Power Player’ rule, the management can be more proactive and strengthen this department.

Since there is a scope to bring in an additional overseas player if Dhoni goes ahead with just three players, it could completely change the dynamics of the side. Also, for instance, Harbhajan Singh has been mainly used against the left-handers. There were occasions where he didn’t complete his quota of four overs. In such a situation, someone like Mitchell Santner or Scott Kuggeleijn can be roped in.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), for quite a few years now, haven’t had to bother about their overseas players. The likes of David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson and Rashid Khan are almost a certainty irrespective of the conditions. But the only problem they’ve have had to deal with is a problem of plenty. Apart from these four players, there are some high-quality T20 cricketers in their ranks.

These include Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan (won’t be a part of IPL 2020), Martin Guptill and Billy Stanlake. Keeping the team combinations in mind, it is quite tough to accommodate these players in the eleven. But the new rule can possibly turn things around for SRH. Someone like Mohammad Nabi can be in the team and his services could be utilised with the ball.

Since they have Wriddhiman Saha, Jonny Bairstow can be used only as a batting option. Later, they can have Billy Stanlake with the ball. Otherwise, if some quick runs are required, they can experiment by sending in Martin Guptill instead of Kane Williamson in the middle order.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

The new ‘Power Player’ rule might benefit the Mumbai Indians (MI) a great deal in the IPL. The team has got several options to ponder over and make an adequate replacement during the match. For instance, Kieron Pollard is a very important part of this side. But given that he doesn’t bowl much these days is a huge downside.

For the same, the Mumbai Indians can have anyone amongst Jason Behrendorff, Alzarri Joseph and other options while bowling. Otherwise, one of their strategies has been to delay the introduction of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga into the attack. This is quite effective as these players are terrific at the death overs.

Thus, one can have someone like Jason Behrendorff who is excellent with the new ball. Then, someone else can take over which will save the overs of Malinga and Bumrah. Also, someone like Hardik Pandya can just do the batting and later a genuine bowler can be brought in to do the job with the ball.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Up to a certain extent, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can also benefit from this rule. Most of their strategies, however, will revolve around Andre Russell. The Caribbean all-rounder is an indispensable part of this side and can win games of cricket almost single-handedly. But, there have been a lot of problems with his fitness which has caused several headaches to the KKR management earlier.

While Russell seems to be no problem while batting, his inability to deliver all his four overs on a consistent basis has upset the team’s plans a great deal. Also, there have been occasions when he had to walk off in between and Dinesh Karthik had to resort to some of the weaker options.

So, if Russell is not fit for batting, they can rope in someone like Carlos Brathwaite or Joe Denly. If he isn’t able to bowl in a particular game, they have some quality Indian and overseas options. That will also help KKR to reduce his workload and keep him fit for the entire IPL season.

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)

The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), keeping their team balance in mind, had to sideline some brilliant cricketers in the past. A game-changer like David Miller sitting in the dugout merely watching the proceedings wasn’t clearly a sight to behold for the fans. Also, last year, for some of the matches, Nicholas Pooran couldn’t find a place in the eleven.

Even, a quality bowler like Mujeeb Ur Rahman couldn’t avoid warming the bench. So now, with Anil Kumble at the helm, the Kings XI Punjab can make terrific use of this rule. They can juggle around with the likes of Sam Curran, Hardus Viljoen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Andrew Tye, David Miller and Nicholas Pooran.

Depending on the situation of the game, adequate changes can be made to the side. Thus, it will strengthen them a great deal. The close IPL matches which they lost in the past due to lack of adequate resources for the situation can be won with this rule in place.