Sachin Tendulkar, who played T20 Cricket towards the end of his career, had notable statistics in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was part of the Mumbai Indians team that won the IPL for the first time in 2013. Even now, he serves as a mentor to the team, providing guidance to young players to help them improve their game.
Recently, Tendulkar proposed some changes to T20 cricket rules. He believes the Impact Player rule should be removed, arguing that it disrupts the balance between batting and bowling.
“The impact player needs to go away. That is my personal opinion. In T20, you only have 20 overs, and adding another batter challenges bowlers even more. It creates an imbalance,” he stated at the ESPNcricinfo awards before the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad.
He also suggested modifying the six-over power play. He proposed that the first four overs should be a mandatory batting power play, allowing two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. The fielding captain would then have the option to use the remaining two overs at any time, with three fielders allowed outside the ring in those overs.
“Let the first four overs be the batter’s power play with two fielders outside the ring. The captain can use the remaining two overs whenever he wants, with one extra fielder outside the ring. This way, it helps control the game better,” Tendulkar said.
One bowler should be allowed to bowl five overs: Tendulkar
Lastly, Tendulkar suggested that one bowler be permitted to bowl a maximum of five overs. He noted that top batters often play the full 20 overs, so the best bowlers should have the opportunity to contribute more.
“One bowler should be allowed to bowl five overs. The top bowler will likely bowl that fifth over. If top batters can bat the entire match, why shouldn’t the best bowler bowl five overs?” he questioned.