Credit: IPL
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has remarked he wasn’t a supporter of the Impact Player rule, which was introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. Opinions have been divided on the rule since the introduction. Back in April 2024, pacer Mohammed Siraj, who was a vital member of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) then, urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove the Impact Player rule as it gives massive advantage to batters against bowlers. Recently, Dhoni also expressed his views regarding the rule while speaking to JioStar.
MS Dhoni was CSK skipper when the Impact Player rule was implemented in the league in 2023. Under his leadership, the Yellow Army lifted the coveted trophy for the fifth time and became the joint-most successful side with Mumbai Indians (MI), who have won the title five times under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. “When this rule was implemented, I felt it wasn’t really needed at that time. In a way, it helps me, but at the same time, it doesn’t. I still do my wicket keeping, so I’m not an impact player. I have to be involved in the game,” remarked Dhoni in a chat with JioHotstar.
Dhoni feels conditions and players’ mindset help teams post colossal scores on the board
Following the application of the Impact Player rule, it’s witnessed that the teams are putting 230+ runs on the board frequently. Noting batters’ dominance, critics of the rule are saying the regulation is giving advantage to the sides to get an extra batter which makes it difficult for bowlers to defend even 200+ totals.
However, Dhoni believes it’s not just the rule but conditions and players’ mindset are also helping teams to bat ferociously and score big runs. “A lot of people say the rule has led to more high-scoring games. I believe it’s more due to the conditions and the comfort level of players. The number of runs being scored isn’t just because of an extra batsman. It’s about the mind-set. Teams now have the comfort of an extra batter, so they play more aggressively. It’s not that all four or five extra batters are being used. it’s just the confidence of having them. This is how T20 cricket has evolved,” added the 43-year-old.
