Indian cricketing legend and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni has expressed his skepticism over the necessity of the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a candid interview with JioHotstar, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman stated that the rule is redundant in an already thrilling tournament.
Dhoni: IPL Doesn’t Need Extra Masala
Speaking about the rule, Dhoni emphasized that the IPL has always been a high-scoring, competitive league and did not require additional tweaks to keep fans engaged. “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 remarked.
He explained that while the rule allows teams to substitute players strategically, its impact on the game is debatable. “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,” Dhoni added.
Impact Player Rule and Dhoni’s Role in CSK
The Impact Player rule has also sparked discussions about Dhoni’s place in the CSK lineup, with some critics suggesting that it allows him to continue playing despite his evolving role. Responding subtly, Dhoni said, “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.”
At 43, Dhoni continues to be an integral part of CSK’s squad, playing his 18th IPL season in 2025. In the team’s opening match against the Mumbai Indians, Dhoni showcased his signature lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav. While he faced only two deliveries in the second innings and remained unbeaten on zero, his presence on the field remains crucial for CSK’s campaign.
Changing Batting Approach and Evolving Cricketing Landscape
Dhoni also reflected on how his batting approach has evolved over the years. From being a player who used to take the game deep, he now aims to accelerate from the first ball. He attributed this shift to improved pitches and evolving batting techniques.
“You have to adapt according to requirements. The way cricket is played nowadays is quite different. The way we played in 2008 and the way we played in last year’s IPL — it’s very different,” he noted. Dhoni highlighted that Indian pitches have significantly improved, making high-scoring matches more frequent.
CSK’s Strong Start to IPL 2025
Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK started their 2025 IPL campaign with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians. With the team eyeing another title, Dhoni’s experience and strategic mind remain invaluable, even as debates over the Impact Player rule continue.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Dhoni adapts and leads CSK, proving yet again why he remains one of the most revered figures in Indian cricket.