The IPL isn’t just cricket—it’s heart-pounding thrill rides, last-ball drama, and sixes that send your snacks flying across the room. Oh yes, even in a heart-pumping extravaganza IPL, there’s always time for some glamour! And this is where the soul of India’s former opening batsman and someone who likely dreams of cricket laws, Aakash Chopra, comes into the picture. In a clip on his YouTube channel, aptly named Aakash Chopra, Chopra laid out five entertaining suggestions for rule changes that could very likely come into force in IPL 2026.
Bonus Points: Making Every Win Count Even More
Chopra was correct in proposing a bonus point for wins that are convincingly achieved. The points table – wins, losses, net run rate – is straightforward, but net run rate is not engaging to players and fans alike. His idea was to provide a point if a team beats the other team by 20%. For instance, a chase of 200 runs where you get them in 16 overs, or restrict the other team to 160 runs off 20 overs.
Injury Substitutes: No More Playing Hurt
Cricket may not have the brutality of football, but we do not have substitutions at the same rate. Chopra argues that we should have substitutions in case of a serious injury, including concussion substitutes. Ever squirmed as Pant swung the bat with a fractured foot, or Woakes’ shoulder dislocated? Heroism or stupidity? Substitutions like-for-like would keep the players safe and still allow the match to keep its integrity; it would be a win-win for the players and fans.
Mid-Season Transfers: Using Untapped Talent
The third idea from Chopra dives into one of the IPL’s most overlooked strategies: swapping players mid-season. Right now, it exists but rarely gets used. Chopra suggests automatically making players available if they haven’t featured in the first eight matches and mandating teams to nominate three such players. This could shake up the tournament midway, giving unused talent a chance to shine and ensuring stronger competition throughout.
Leg-Side Wide Mark: Fairer Cricket
Next, he addresses something more nuanced but worthy of consideration: leg-side wides. At this point in time, even a delivery that is basically only touching the leg stump is labelled wide, which can be pretty cruel. Chopra suggests marking a clear line to define what counts as a fair leg-side delivery. It is a small tweak, but maybe it will reduce the controversy and add a sense of precision to the game. Bowlers push their limits and will not be judged as having bowled a wide unfairly, while batters can be confident they at least have a fair chance to play their shot.
Power Surge: Borrowing from the Big Bash
Finally, Chopra eyes the Big Bash League’s “Power Surge” rule, where two overs of powerplay can be taken anytime by the batting side. Pair this with the bonus point system, and teams could strategically time their power surge to not just chase totals but aim for emphatic wins. It’s a smart blend of strategy, aggression, and thrill—something IPL fans would absolutely love.
Chopra’s five ideas aren’t just tweaks—they could reshape IPL cricket. Bonus points, injury substitutes, mid-season transfers, leg-side wides, and the power surge all aim to add excitement, fairness, and strategy.
FAQs
- What is Aakash Chopra’s main suggestion for IPL 2026?
He proposes five rule changes aimed at increasing excitement, fairness, and strategy in the tournament.
- Will IPL allow injury replacements according to Chopra?
Yes, he suggests allowing like-for-like substitutes for serious injuries, similar to concussion replacements.
- Are these rule changes confirmed for IPL 2026?
No, these are suggestions by Aakash Chopra and have not yet been officially adopted.
