New Delhi: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was not quite convinced about the need for the Impact Player rule when it was first introduced in the IPL, but now sees it as a part of T20 cricket’s evolution.
The 43-year-old, who remains a talismanic figure for the Chennai Super Kings despite relinquishing captaincy last year, said he does not consider himself an Impact Player as he remains the first-choice wicketkeeper of his side.
“When this rule was implemented, I felt it wasn’t needed at that time. In a way, it helps me, but at the same time, it doesn’t. I still do my wicket-keeping, so I am not an impact player,” Dhoni told ‘JioStar’.
Dhoni explained that IPL matches were already high-scoring, and the competition level was strong even before the introduction of the Impact Player rule.
“Matches were already competitive. Many times, if a team loses early wickets, they are out of the game quickly. The Impact Player rule changes the equation, but it wasn’t needed,” he added.
He also noted that the rule helps him in some ways but does not necessarily make things easier.
“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,” he clarified.
At 43 years old, Dhoni is playing his 18th IPL season for CSK. His team started IPL 2025 with a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, where he played a key role behind the stumps.
During the match, Dhoni’s quick stumping dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, helping CSK control the game. Though he faced only two balls while batting, he remained not out at zero.
Dhoni also spoke about how T20 cricket has evolved, shifting from a strategy of taking the game deep to an aggressive approach from the first ball. He attributed this to better Indian pitches and improved batting techniques.
“The way cricket is played today is very different from 2008. Pitches used to be slower and had turn, but now they are much better. This has changed how teams approach the game,” he explained.
As Dhoni continues in IPL 2025, his comments on the Impact Player rule and the changing dynamics of the game highlight his vast experience and understanding of T20 cricket. Whether the rule will remain a part of IPL in the long run remains to be seen.
