MS Dhoni, the iconic former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has voiced his opinion on the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that the tournament did not need any extra modifications to remain exciting and competitive.
In a recent interview with JioHotstar, a clip of which was released on Monday, MS Dhoni expressed his view that the IPL was already at a high level, both in terms of quality and entertainment, and making additional changes was unnecessary. He explained that matches were already high-scoring and fiercely contested and the format naturally produced unpredictable outcomes. He also noted that in T20 cricket, early wickets often determine the fate of a game, with teams struggling to recover if they lose too many batters upfront.
Reflecting on how the Impact Player rule personally affects him, Dhoni acknowledged that while it offers some advantages, it does not significantly alter his role in the team. Since he continues to perform as a wicketkeeper and remains actively involved in the game, he does not benefit from the rule in the way a specialist batter or bowler might.
At 43, Dhoni is playing his 18th IPL season for CSK, demonstrating his enduring presence in the league. His team began their campaign with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, a game in which he contributed with a lightning-quick stumping to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav. Although he faced only two deliveries in the chase and did not score, his impact on the game remained significant.
MS Dhoni also shared insights into how his approach to batting has evolved over the years. Once known for taking matches deep and finishing in dramatic style, he now adapts to the changing nature of the game, sometimes attacking from the first ball. He credited this shift to improved batting techniques and the vastly better pitches in India, which have made scoring easier and games even more explosive. Comparing the conditions from the early years of the IPL to recent seasons, he pointed out that earlier, wickets had more turn and inconsistent bounce, whereas now they favor free-flowing stroke play.
As the IPL continues to evolve, MS Dhoni remains a key figure, offering valuable experience and tactical sharpness while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of T20 cricket.
