MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has recently shared his thoughts on the Impact Player rule in the IPL, expressing his initial skepticism about its necessity.
Introduced in IPL 2023, the rule allows teams to substitute one player during a match, which many believe has shifted the dynamics of T20 cricket.
Dhoni’s Perspective on the Impact Player Rule
In an interview with JioHotstar, Dhoni stated, “When this rule was implemented, I felt it wasn’t really needed at that time.”
He emphasized that while the rule might provide advantages to some players, it does not directly benefit him as he continues to be actively involved in the game as a wicketkeeper.
“I still do my wicket keeping, so I’m not an impact player,” he added.
Dhoni acknowledged that while the rule has led to higher scores—41 instances of teams surpassing the 200-run mark in the 2024 season alone—he believes this trend is more about the evolving mindset of players rather than solely due to the presence of an extra batsman.
“It’s about the mindset—teams now have the comfort of an extra batter, so they play more aggressively,” he explained.
High-Scoring Games and Evolving Cricket
The 2024 IPL season saw record-breaking performances, with the top five highest scores in IPL history occurring during this period.
Critics of the Impact Player rule argue that it diminishes competition between bat and ball, but Dhoni contends that it is more about how players approach their innings.
He noted that “the number of runs being scored isn’t just because of an extra batsman,” highlighting that players are now more confident and willing to take risks.
Dhoni’s comments come amidst a broader debate within the cricketing community regarding the implications of such rules on player development and match competitiveness.
Some experts and fellow players have expressed concerns that relying on additional batters could hinder the growth of all-rounders, as teams may prioritize big-hitting specialists instead.
