IPL 2023: Top 3 Impact Players Used in the Last Week

The highly anticipated 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) has unquestionably lived up to the immense hype surrounding it. Each team, on any given day, has fearlessly challenged their opponents, delivering enthralling encounters that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. With over two weeks of intense battles and captivating showdowns, the Gujarat Titans (GT), the defending champions, currently reign supreme at the pinnacle of the league table, establishing their dominance. Adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, the introduction of the Impact Player rule has heightened the competition even further.

Franchises have tactfully strategized and leveraged this rule to their advantage, seeking ways to maximize their team’s potential. The Impact Player rule in the IPL 2023 has proven to be a captivating addition, enabling teams to substitute a player with another at any moment during the match. However, there are specific criteria to fulfill, with incoming players required to be Indian, or overseas players only if the team initially starts the match with three or fewer overseas players. Throughout this season, we have witnessed remarkable instances where the Impact Player has graced the IPL arena and dazzled the cricket fraternity with their awe-inspiring performances. These exceptional talents have showcased their skills, leaving spectators and experts alike in awe of their remarkable abilities, thereby enhancing the excitement and allure of IPL 2023.

Here Are the 3 Best Impact Players of the Week 8:

1) Nehal Wadhera’s Late Blitz in the Eliminator

In a thrilling Eliminator clash against the formidable Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Wadhera emerged as a catalyst for the Mumbai Indians (MI) when he joined the team as an Impact Player. Armed with just 12 precious deliveries, the left-handed maestro unleashed a ferocious assault, unleashing a barrage of power shots that resulted in a breathtaking 23-run onslaught. His majestic innings comprised two towering sixes and an equal number of boundary-laden strokes, leaving the spectators in awe of his sheer brilliance. Wadhera’s explosive display held utmost significance as it propelled MI to set a formidable target of 182 runs, a total that appeared insurmountable at one point. Yet, through his aggressive onslaught, Wadhera defied the odds, paving the way for his team to achieve a commanding score above 180. His awe-inspiring performance left an indelible mark on the match.

2) Matheesha Pathirana Shines Once Again in the Slog Overs

Pathirana encountered a momentary setback at the onset of his second spell, conceding 13 runs in that over. However, true to his resilience, he swiftly regained his rhythm in the subsequent over, dealing a decisive blow by dismissing the highly prized wicket of Vijay Shankar, who could only muster four runs. Not content with just his bowling prowess, Pathirana also showcased his fielding finesse, contributing to the run-out of Darshan Nalkande. As the match reached its climactic moments, Pathirana unleashed his final over, a mesmerizing exhibition of deceptive skills, which ultimately led to the downfall of Mohammed Shami, earning Pathirana his second wicket of the game.

The Sri Lankan maestro’s awe-inspiring display of thunderbolts in the death overs has undeniably been a driving force behind Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) triumphant journey thus far. This remarkable achievement firmly establishes Pathirana as an instrumental figure in the historic moment of bowling out the defending champions, Gujarat Titans (GT), for the first time this season, and that too in a pivotal qualifier match.

1) Joshua Little’s ‘Big’ Impact on the Outcome of the Qualifier 2 Match

In the crucial Qualifier 2 match of IPL 2023 between the Gujarat Titans and the Mumbai Indians, a pivotal moment unfolded when Joshua Little struck a decisive blow to the Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup. Little delivered a well-directed length ball that skidded through and kept low, finding its way to the stumps.

Mumbai Indians’ all-rounder Cameron Green, who had earlier retired hurt due to an injury, returned to the crease hoping to make a significant impact. However, his comeback was short-lived as he fell victim to a brilliant delivery from Little. Green attempted a cross-batted shot, but the ball sneaked under his bat, kissing the top of the leg stump.

This breakthrough arrived at a crucial juncture in the game, providing the Gujarat Titans with the much-needed wicket. Green’s dismissal proved to be a significant setback for the Mumbai Indians, as he possessed the potential to shift the momentum in their favor with his power-hitting abilities. He departed after scoring a valuable 30 runs off 20 deliveries, including two boundaries and two sixes.

Little, the left-arm seamer, cleverly bowled a well-directed bouncer aimed at the middle stump, forcing a rushed response from Vinod. In an attempt to play the ball, Vinod mistimed it, resulting in a top edge that sailed over the short fine leg fielder. As the ball soared into the air, the spectators held their breath as Mohammed Shami positioned himself at the boundary to take the catch. However, to the surprise of everyone present, the ball slipped through Shami’s fingers. This dropped catch meant that Little finished his spell with figures of 1/26 in three overs, an unfortunate miss that could have bolstered his performance even further.