Faf du Plessis on DC’s Thrilling Victory: "This Is Exactly What the Impact Player Rule Is Meant For"

Faf du Plessis on DC's Epic Comeback: "This Is Exactly Why the Impact Player Rule Exists"

After Delhi Capitals pulled off a jaw-dropping one-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam, vice-captain Faf du Plessis praised the nerve-wracking finish, crediting the Impact Player rule for making such turnarounds possible.

From a disastrous start at 7 for 3 and then 65 for 5 in their chase of 210, DC mounted an incredible fightback led by Ashutosh Sharma. The lower order steadily chipped away at the target until only 22 were needed off the last two overs. With six runs required from the final six balls, last-man Mohit Sharma survived a tight lbw call and nudged a crucial single, setting the stage for Ashutosh to hammer the winning six—sealing only the fifth one-wicket win in IPL history.

“It was unbelievable,” said du Plessis. “It reminded me a bit of the 438 game back in 2006 when South Africa chased down Australia and Makhaya Ntini took a crucial single at the end. That’s probably the most important single Mohit Sharma will ever take—perfect forward defence into the gap. What a moment to bring Ashutosh back on strike for the win.”

Ashutosh, who came in as DC’s Impact Player with the team reeling at 65 for 5, turned the game on its head with an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls. Alongside Vipraj Nigam, he added 55 off just 22 balls to keep DC in the hunt.

Commenting on the rule that allowed such a turnaround, du Plessis said: “A lot of cricketers complain about the Impact Player rule, but this is why it exists—for moments like this when a game feels lost, and someone steps in to change everything. It’s amazing. I might have to drink some masala tea if it helps me hit like these guys at the end.”

He admitted that after losing five wickets and seeing the pitch grip, he had doubts about a successful chase. “It looked like an impossible task. But this match is a reminder—even for an old brain like mine—that you're never completely out of a game. That extra batter really does change the equation.”

Du Plessis was especially impressed by the homegrown talent. “As an overseas player, it’s incredible to watch how many Indian players are now such clean hitters. On a tricky pitch, the composure and effortless power hitting from Ashutosh and Vipraj was remarkable.”

DC’s miraculous win not only earned them two points but also spotlighted the evolving role of the Impact Player—and how it’s redefining the possibilities in T20 cricket.

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