Alongside the introduction of the Impact Player, this year’s IPL will also be witnessing some new rules and other changes in playing conditions. The Telegraph takes a glance at them.

Two team sheets

Captains don’t need to finalise their respective teams before the toss. For this season, the captains can take two separate team sheets to the toss — one for if they bat first and another for if they bowl first. The advantage gained by winning the toss can be nullified as the team list can be finalised when the toss is over. The SA20 was the first franchise league where teams could finalise their XI after the toss. It was effected in order to minimise the advantage of the teams’ home conditions.

Extra reviews

Players will be allowed to challenge wides and no-balls called by the on-field umpires. This was seen in full effect during the recently-concluded Women’s Premier League, where the BCCI used the technology for the first time. This gives the teams an opportunity to review tight calls at critical phases of the matches, especially during the death overs.

Other changes

Over-rate penalty of only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for every over not completed in the allocated time.

When a batsman is out caught, the new batter will come in at the former’s end and take the strike. That’s irrespective of whether the batsmen had crossed prior to the catch being taken.

Unfair movement of the wicketkeeper will result in a dead ball and five penalty runs to the batting side.

Unfair movement by a fielder will result in a dead ball and five penalty runs to the batting side.

Impact Player’s impact

The IPL playing conditions state the Impact Player “will add a new tactical or strategic dimension to the game”.

The teams are allowed to field XI players with five substitutes, and out of the five substitutes, the rules allow them to choose one as an Impact player after the toss.

However, a team can select only an Indian cricketer as its Impact Player if there are four overseas players in its starting XI. At the same time, how far does the utilisation of the rule get affected as captains can take two separate team sheets at the toss?

According to Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting, it negates the role of “bits and pieces” players. “If you bat first, you’re probably going to sub in a batter. Or if you bat first and lose an early wicket, you might want to bring in a batter straightaway. So there are a number of different ways to utilise it.

“But it almost negates the role of all-rounders in the game now. So unless they’re absolutely world-class and getting picked either as a batter or a bowler and not sort of a bits and pieces guy, then I don’t think you’ll see many teams this year using the guy that might bat at seven and bowl an over or two. Because you don’t need those guys anymore,” Ponting had said.

Royal first for Guwahati

Riyan Parag could play in Rajasthan Royals colours at home, as the Northeast is ready to debut as an IPL host for the first time, with two of the Jaipur-based franchise’s games scheduled in Guwahati.

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium has been designated as one of the “home” venues for the Royals’ matches against Punjab Kings (April 5) and Delhi Capitals (April 8).

The franchise had earlier partnered with the association for a cricket academy, which is now functional at the ACA Stadium.

“We were allotted two IPL matches of RR in 2020. But, the matches couldn’t happen due to Covid-19. We are happy two games have been scheduled here this year,” said association secretary Tridib Konwar.