Hrithik Shokeen creates history by becoming first 'Impact Player' in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Emerging spinner Hrithik Shokeen has become the first 'Impact Player' in the ongoing edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hrithik achieved this feat on Tuesday, October 11 as he helped his team in registering a convincing 71-run victory over Manipur during their Group B clash in Jaipur.

It is to be noted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced this new 'Impact Player' rule with effect from the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As per this newly-introduced concept, a team gets the right to allow a tactical substitution in the middle of a particular game. The BCCI also aims to introduce the rule for IPL 2023. 

Delhi, in their second innings, replaced Hiten Dalal with Hrithik Shokeen. Dalal was Delhi's star performer with the bat in the first innings as he scored a blistering 27-ball 47 that propelled his team to a match-winning total of 167/7 from their allotted 20 overs. 

The move of roping in Shokeen reaped dividends as he made vital contributions with the ball in hand. The youngster accounted for the likes of Manipur skipper Langlonyamba Meitan Keishangbam and Johnson Singh to finish with figures of 2/13 from his three overs at an economy of 4.3. Despite chasing a manageable target, Manipur’s innings never gathered steam as they were eventually restricted to 96/7.

Shokeen became a household name after being roped in by the five-time champions Mumbai Indians for IPL 2022. The youngster tried his level best to make the most of his opportunities in the world’s toughest T20 league. He finished with two wickets from the five matches, averaging 63.50 with an an economy of 8.47. The 22-year-old would now be aiming to showcase consistent performances throughout the tournament and be on the radar of the national selectors.