India, March 28 -- The Impact Player rule has come under criticism ahead of IPL 2026. Leading voices in cricket, like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, have called out the rule for taking away all-rounders' skill set in matches. RCB head coach Andy Flower also joined the bandwagon, sharing his opinion on the rule.

Speaking ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener between RCB and SRH, Flower said, "I think it has been a good innovation, it's interesting to be part of it. You're making decisions on the impact player, and I think it's interesting for the audience to debate what's right and what's wrong, so tactically it's quite an interesting addition to the game."

He also felt that it makes selecting a team for a match more 'tricky'.

"I must say...