IPL 2025 MS Dhoni: Indian World Cup-winning captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart MS Dhoni shared his opinion on the Impact Player rule, which enables teams to use one additional player in the match, and stated that the high-scoring matches are not a direct consequence of this but is more related to the conditions and comfort level of players.

Interestingly, the impact player rule has been the subject of a range of opinions. While it has been welcomed by most for enabling teams to be more adaptable with their combinations and obtain the best possible talent in a given match scenario, it has been criticized for hindering the development of all-rounders because of the increase in application of specialist batters/bowlers and for making the games too high-scoring and batter-oriented.

Talking about the rule at the ‘The MSD Experience’ on JioHotstar, Dhoni mentioned that when it was introduced in 2023, it was not actually necessary. He also mentioned that the rule benefits him and does not simultaneously.

“By the time this rule was put in place, I did not feel that it was actually required at that stage. It kind of assists me, but simultaneously, it doesn’t. I still keep my wickets, so I am not an influence player. I need to be a part of the game,” he added.

“A lot of people attribute the rule to increase high-scoring games. I think it is more because of the conditions and players’ comfort level. The runs being scored are not only because of an extra batsman. It is about the attitude–teams have the comfort of an extra batter now, so they play with more aggression. It is not that all four or five extra batters are being utilized–it is the confidence of having them. That is how T20 cricket has progressed,” he said.

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Talking about whether batting against arch-rivals and five-time champions, Mumbai Indians is his strong point, Dhoni stated that the opposition does not concern him and he wishes to play well against every team.

“Nothing like that. As a batter, I would like to play against all teams. The team that I am playing against–what does the team expect from me? Based on that, you try to play and do your thing. I don’t feel so there is any rivalry. I don’t select teams as personal or franchise rivalries because it just gives you extra pressure. At the end of the day, if you play against any franchise and win, you get the same points. Sure, based on where they are placed on the table that point might mean slightly more. But your mindset needs to be the same. You want to keep doing well and perform well against each and every team,” Dhoni said.

“For me individually, the rivalry does not mean anything. To win the match is important. That is for any franchise it is Mumbai or any other franchise. But yeah, it becomes a point to talk about. People want to talk about rivals, and good for the overall IPL. Once you are able to create this rivalry between two franchises, and it becomes derby match–A vs B, always a high-profile match. You can mention it, talk about the numbers, see in the past. We have played IPL since 2008, so we have plenty of statistics,” he finalized.

Following a victory over MI in their first match, CSK’s next encounter will be against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at their home venue of Chepauk in Chennai on March 28.

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