Since its implementation in 2023, the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Impact Player rule has generated discussion. The rule gives teams an advantage by allowing them to replace a player at any time throughout the game. Many analysts and former players, however, have criticized it, arguing that it lessens the thrill and diminishes the role of all-rounders.
He emphasized that IPL matches were fiercely contested and drew large audiences even prior to the rule’s introduction. He clarified that the influence of the regulation has been overstated, pointing out that playing conditions, not simply the extra batter, are more often responsible for high-scoring games. He added that even while he is aware of the rule’s possible benefits, he does not directly gain from it.
“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 said on Jio Hotstar.
“Games were already quite high-scoring, they were going well, the matches were quite competitive. We have seen it often in this format that matches end in five overs — you lose too many wickets, fail to make proper runs and the opposition wins easily.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni added:
“If you lose a few wickets early, more often than not you are out of the game. So, when this rule came, I felt it was not really needed at this point of time because TRP is up, the quality of cricket is good, good players were coming up but it was implemented. In a way, it helps me but it still doesn’t help me because I still do my keeping so I am not an impact player, I have to be involved in the game.
MS Dhoni
“Also, some people are saying that because of the impact player rule, games have become high-scoring. I think it is due to conditions. The extra batter gives you comfort. It’s not like because of that extra batter, you have scored a lot.”
MS Dhoni
In the meantime, the 43-year-old seasoned batsman-wicketkeeper once again showed off his skills behind the stumps in CSK’s IPL 2025 opener against the Mumbai Indians (MI). MI captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed by Dhoni’s crisp stumping during the match. With a six off Mitchell Santner’s bowling, youthful Rachin Ravindra sealed the victory, but fans were still hoping to see Dhoni close the game in his own way. With a four-wicket victory, the five-time winners started the 2025 season on a high note.
