MS Dhoni has never been one to mince words, and his latest take on the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no exception. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain believes the rule, introduced in 2023, was an unnecessary addition to a tournament that was already thriving, competitive, and exciting.

“When it first came up, I said 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 in an interview with JioStar.

With viewership at an all-time high, many last-over finishes, and young talents emerging, Dhoni questions why the rule was needed in the first place. While some argue that it has made matches more high-scoring, the CSK legend isn’t convinced.

So, is the Impact Player rule really changing the game, or is it just an unnecessary twist in an already successful league? Let’s dive into what Dhoni had to say.

IPL Was Already Thriving, Says Dhoni

According to Dhoni, IPL was already delivering high-scoring and competitive matches before the rule was introduced. He highlighted that:

• Viewership (TRP) was high

• The quality of cricket was strong

• New talents were emerging

“I felt it was not really needed at this point in time because the games were already exciting, and teams were competing at a high level,” he added.

How the Rule Affects Dhoni’s Role

Dhoni acknowledged that while the Impact Player rule benefits teams strategically, it has little impact on his own game.

“In a way, it helps me, but it still doesn’t help me because I still have to keep wickets, so I’m not an Impact Player,” he remarked.

Are High Scores Due to the Rule?

There has been speculation that the Impact Player rule has led to an increase in high-scoring matches in the IPL. However, Dhoni dismissed this claim, attributing it instead to better playing conditions and improved pitch quality.

“The extra batter gives comfort, but it’s not like because of that one extra batter, teams are suddenly scoring a lot more runs,” he explained.

Handing Over CSK Captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite speculation that Dhoni was still calling the shots, he clarified that 99% of the decisions were made by Gaikwad.

“I told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ The bowling changes, field placements – all were his calls. I was just helping him out,” Dhoni revealed.

Conclusion

MS Dhoni’s views on the Impact Player rule reflect his belief that IPL’s success doesn’t rely on gimmicks but on the quality of cricket itself. While the rule remains a debated topic, Dhoni’s legacy as a leader and strategist in the league continues to grow.

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