Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has given his opinion about the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In defence of the rule, he acknowledged the fact that he himself does not like it and finds it to be unnecessary. The impact player rule was first introduced in the IPL 2023 season, which enables teams to introduce an additional batter or bowler to create a strategic boost. This has resulted in increased scores, with totals of 200 or more being achieved 41 times last season. Dhoni, however, thinks that these high scores are not entirely because of the rule but because of a change in players' mindsets.
Dhoni's Opinion on the Impact Player Rule
"I felt that the rule was not needed when it was first brought in. In a way, it suits me, but I don't need it. I still continue to keep wickets, so I am not an impact player. I like to be directly involved in the game," Dhoni said.
He also rejected the notion that the rule is the sole reason for high-scoring matches. "Many people feel that this rule leads to more big scores, but I feel pitch conditions and the confidence of players are contributing more. Players are playing more boldly with the security of having an extra batter behind them. Teams are not piling their batting orders with two extra batters, but the confidence of having one extra is altering the mindset of those batting first. T20 cricket has followed this path," he further stated.
Dhoni’s Continued Impact in IPL 2025
At 43, Dhoni continues to impress as CSK’s wicketkeeper in IPL 2025. In a recent match against Mumbai Indians, he executed a lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav. Additionally, he earned praise for his game awareness, choosing to play two dot balls and handing the finishing responsibility to Rachin Ravindra rather than going for the winning shot himself.
CSK's next game is against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 28 in Chennai.
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