MS Dhoni explains why he disagreed with IPL's Impact Player rule: ‘In a way it helps me...’

MS Dhoni walks out to bat (BCCI/File Photo)

The peculiar impact of the player rule on the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been so great that there have been as many open requests for its repeal as there have been recognitions that it has resulted in a significant increase in high-scoring matches in the league. Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni was maybe the most well-known figure to disagree with it completely. Dhoni has now clarified why, in his opinion, the regulation was unnecessary when it was put into effect.

Dhoni told JioStar: “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.”

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While he acknowledges that watching the big scores is more enjoyable for the spectators, Virat Kohli stated last season that he would rather see more balance between bat and ball. Kohli also said that the regulation, which gives top-order batsmen more leeway to take huge swings since there is an extra batter, was the reason for his exceptionally high strike rate from the previous season.

However, Dhoni stated that he does not agree with the idea that the regulation has increased scoring. “A lot of people say the rule has led to more high-scoring games. I believe it’s more due to the conditions and the comfort level of players. The number of runs being scored isn’t just because of an extra batsman," said Dhoni.

"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. This is how T20 cricket has evolved,” Dhoni added.