‘I Have To Be Involved’: MS Dhoni Clears His Stance On Impact Player Rule, Explains Reasons Behind His Reservations

IPL 2025: The eighteenth edition of the Indian Premier League has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. After the completion of five matches, all the teams look equally good, and the race to win the title will heat up as the tournament progresses. The Sunrisers Hyderabad are currently at the top of the table, and the Rajasthan Royals are languishing at the bottom. But what has been more interesting is the fact that all ten teams are going about their business in a similar manner.

The seventeenth edition of the Indian Premier League, held in 2024, was a game-changer on many levels. The franchises changed their batting styles and adapted a more aggressive approach. This approach is being heavily fueled by the presence of the Impact Player Rule. The rule was introduced back in 2023, and since then, it has become a matter of huge debate.

Former CSK skipper MS Dhoni recently spoke about his view on the Impact Player Rule, and it is pretty clear that he has his own reservations. It is a no-brainer that the existence of the Impact Player Rule has made high-scoring games a regular affair. Star Indian players, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, too have expressed their reservations with the rule.

“When this rule was implemented, I felt it wasn’t really needed at that time. In a way, it helps me, but at the same time, it doesn’t. I still do my wicketkeeping, so I’m not an Impact Player. I have to be involved in the game. It’s about the mindset—teams now have the comfort of an extra batter, so they play more aggressively. It’s not that all four or five extra batters are being used—it’s just the confidence of having them,” Dhoni told JioStar while clearing his stance on the highly debated rule.

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings have started the eighteenth edition of the IPL in style. The five-time champions defeated arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the first game of IPL 2025. Royal Challengers Bengaluru too defeated their nemesis Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening game and will now face CSK in their next match.