Impact Player Options for IPL 2026 [Source: @Oxygen18_, @mipaltan, @IPL/X.com]The IPL 2026 season is all set to begin on March 28 with defending champions RCB taking on SRH in the opening fixture at Bengaluru. As the tournament returns with yet another entertaining season, all attention will shift towards the decisive ‘Impact Player’ rule.With the Impact Player rule continuing in the IPL, teams now treat their No. 12 as a tactical weapon rather than a backup. The rule allows franchises to substitute a player depending on match situations, often replacing a bowler with a batter while chasing or bringing in an extra bowler while defending. Ahead of IPL 2026, every franchise has at least a few specialist options ideally suited for the role. Below is a team-by-team look at potential Impact Player candidates based on squad balance and match scenarios.IPL 2026- Impact Player Options for All IPL TeamsChennai Super Kings (CSK)Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, MS DhoniKhaleel Ahmed - If CSK bat first with a batting-heavy XI, Khaleel can be introduced while defending to strengthen the pace attack, just as he did in the previous season.Ayush Mhatre - In a scenario where CSK field first, Ayush Mhatre can be slotted at the top order in a tough run chase. His acceleration could help CSK with a strong platform.MS Dhoni - Now that CSK has Sanju Samson, MS Dhoni’s role could be reduced to just finishing, as the veteran is already 44 years old and struggling with persistent knee injuries. Delhi Capitals (DC)Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Kumar, Nitish RanaSameer Rizvi - Rizvi is an explosive middle-order hitter and can be used in tricky chase scenarios just to accelerate the run-rate.Mukesh Kumar - While defending totals in the second innings, Mukesh Kumar can be called up as an Impact Player as an extra seamer. His spells with the new ball will help DC significantly.Nitish Rana - After leaving RR, Nitish Rana joined DC this year. He is a flexible batting all-round option, but could be used as a batting specialist Impact Player.Also Read - IPL 2026 Full Schedule, Venue- Release Date Cleared By BCCI For Remaining MatchesGujarat Titans (GT)Anuj Rawat, Mohammed Siraj, Shahrukh KhanAnuj Rawat - For GT, Anuj Rawat is a left-handed batting depth option when chasing big targets. His power-hitting skills will come in handy when he is used as an Impact Player.Mohammed Siraj - Since Siraj doesn’t bat a lot, GT will mostly use him as Impact Player in the second innings. He will be their leading pacer who can strike with the new ball.Shahrukh Khan - Another powerplay finishing option for GT is Shahrukh Khan. He can come in late and wreak havoc, especially in death overs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Dayal, Suyash SharmaDevdutt Padikkal - Now that RCB have roped in Venkatesh Iyer in their squad, he will be slotted at no. 3. This means, Devdutt Padikkal will only be used when the team bats second. This way, RCB can give some game time to Padikkal and optimise his skillset.Yash Dayal - So far, Yash Dayal has been cleared to play the IPL 2026 season. As a left-arm pacer, Dayal can complement Bhuvneshwar Kumar and create a significant impact in the death overs.Suyash Sharma - For the spin option, Suyash Sharma is RCB’s best pick for the Impact Player role on spin-friendly surfaces.Punjab Kings (PBKS)Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Praveen DubeyYuzvendra Chahal - One of India’s premier spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal, will most likely be used as an Impact Player by PBKS in the second innings. His spells usually end up as the decisive one.Lockie Ferguson - As for fast bowling options, Lockie Ferguson is PBKS’ best choice while defending large totals.Praveen Dubey - Another spin option on turning tracks is Praveen Dubey. He is skilled with enough experience in his belt of bowling on spin-friendly Indian pitches.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Vaibhav Arora, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Prashant SolankiVaibhav Arora - Just like last year, Vaibhav Arora will most likely come in as KKR’s Impact Player. He is a new-ball swing option with the capability to strike wickets early.Angkrish Raghuvanshi - A young batting prospect, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, can come in handy for aggressive chases.Prashant Solanki - To support spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine on spin-friendly tracks, KKR may summon right-arm legbreak bowler Prashant Solanki. Mumbai Indians (MI)Naman Dhir, Mayank Markande, Ashwani KumarNaman Dhir - Dhir provides batting insurance and late-innings aggression. He can be introduced when MI are chasing large totals, the middle order collapses early and when MI need a hitter between overs 12-18.Mayank Markande - Markande offers leg-spin control in the middle overs, particularly useful on slower pitches. His presence also gives MI tactical flexibility to rotate spinners alongside their primary spin options.Ashwani Kumar - Ashwani Kumar adds pace depth to MI’s bowling attack, especially if the team wants another seam option.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)Jaydev Unadkat, Salil Arora, Harsh DubeyJaydev Unadkat - He is an experienced left-arm pacer who can strengthen the pace attack while defending totals.Salil Arora - After rising to fame through DPL, Salil Arora was bagged by SRH during the auction. He is a good power hitter who can be used to score quick runs,Harsh Dubey - Dubey is a good spin-bowling all-round option who can strengthen SRH’s bowling attack on spin-friendly tracks.Rajasthan Royals (RR)Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sandeep Sharma, Kuldeep SenVaibhav Suryavanshi - 14-year-old Suryavanshi gives Rajasthan an extra attacking batting option, particularly useful when RR are chasing large totals. If RR bowl first, they could substitute out a frontline bowler and bring Suryavanshi in to strengthen the middle order during the chase.Sandeep Sharma - Sandeep provides a situational bowling Impact option, especially at venues where the ball moves early. Kuldeep Sen - Kuldeep Sen offers a pace variation option, capable of bowling hard lengths and attacking during the middle overs.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Mohammed Shami, Abdul Samad, Naman TiwariMohammed Shami - Shami is one of the most valuable Impact substitutes LSG could use when defending totals. He doesn’t bat much, so using him as a pure bowling specialist seems like a good strategy.Abdul Samad - Samad gives LSG late-innings acceleration, especially when chasing. His role will mostly revolve around finishing chases in overs 16-20.Naman Tiwari - Tiwari offers bowling depth and pace variation. He may be used when the pitch assists seam bowling, and LSG want an additional pace option in the middle overs.Also Read - Marnus Labuschagne Hands Shocker To Mohsin Naqvi's PSL After Glenn Maxwell Signing
