Since it was implemented in 2023, the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Impact Player rule has generated discussion. The regulation gives teams an advantage by permitting them to replace a player at any time throughout the game. Numerous analysts and former players have criticized it, though, arguing that it lessens the thrill and diminishes the significance of all-rounders.
He emphasized that IPL matches were extremely competitive and drew large audiences even prior to the rule’s implementation.
He clarified that the influence of the rule has been overstated and pointed out that playing conditions, not just the extra batter, are more often responsible for high-scoring games. The rule does not personally benefit him, he added, even if he is aware of its possible benefits.
“When it first came out, I said one thing that IPL is in such a good position, aur koi masala daalne ki zaroorat nahi hai (there’s no need to spice it up further),” Dhoni claimed on Jio Hotstar.
“The matches were very competitive, the games were going well, and the scores were already fairly high. In this style, we frequently witness matches ending in five overs; if you lose too many wickets or don’t get enough runs, the opponent wins with ease.
“You are usually eliminated from the game if you lose a few wickets early. Because TRP is up, cricket is of high quality, and talented players are emerging, I didn’t think this restriction was necessary at the time it was imposed. In a sense, it is helpful to me, but it isn’t helpful since I still have to play the game and do my keeping, so I am not an impact player.
Additionally, some argue that games have grown high-scoring due to the impact player rule. Conditions, I believe, are to blame. You feel comforted by the excess batter. It’s not like you scored a bunch of runs because of that additional batter.”
In the meantime, in CSK’s IPL 2025 opener against the Mumbai Indians (MI), the 43-year-old experienced batsman-wicketkeeper once again showed off his skills behind the stumps. During the match, MI captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed by Dhoni with a crisp stumping. Even though supporters were expecting Dhoni to end the game in his trademark fashion, youthful Rachin Ravindra’s six off Mitchell Santner’s bowling sealed the victory. By winning the match by four wickets, the five-time winners started the 2025 season on a high note.
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