Faf Du Plessis Says "No Total Is Safe" in IPL Anymore Due to Impact Player Rule Revolution

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has said that modern T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, has completely changed the way teams think about totals, making no score truly safe anymore. Speaking in an exclusive interview with NDTV during the launch of his Rotterdam franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), du Plessis explained that the introduction of the Impact Player rule has significantly increased scoring rates and altered match strategies. According to him, the ability to add an extra batter has shifted the balance heavily in favour of aggressive batting, making even massive totals vulnerable to successful chases.

Du Plessis, who is also becoming a player-cum-co-owner of the Rotterdam franchise along with Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen, said the opportunity came at the right time in his career. He highlighted that he wanted involvement in a league that offers both sporting and long-term value, not just routine competition. He added that European franchise cricket still has huge growth potential, especially in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and that combining ownership with playing allows him to build something meaningful for the future of the sport.

On the evolving nature of T20 cricket, du Plessis noted that teams are now regularly crossing 200 runs, with IPL 2026 already seeing over 30 such scores. He attributed this rise not only to the Impact Player rule but also to the fearless mindset of young cricketers who are playing with higher strike rates and greater attacking intent. He emphasized that this level of high scoring is currently most visible in the IPL due to its specific rules, even though global cricket is also becoming more aggressive.

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Talking about his teammate Heinrich Klaasen, du Plessis praised his exceptional form in the IPL, noting that he remains in the Orange Cap race despite batting lower down the order. He said Klaasen’s ability to dominate bowling attacks reflects the modern demands of T20 cricket, where adaptability and power-hitting are crucial regardless of batting position. He also expressed hope that Klaasen continues his form into other leagues, including the ETPL.

Du Plessis also spoke about team-building in the Rotterdam franchise, stressing the importance of balancing experienced international stars with strong local Dutch talent. He said that while overseas players bring quality and experience, local cricketers ultimately form the identity of any team. He revealed that scouting for Dutch players is already underway and pointed out that the Netherlands has produced several talented cricketers with international exposure. Overall, he described this new phase of his career as a blend of passion for playing and a vision for shaping the future of franchise cricket.

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