The impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has so far received mixed responses from a lot of critics and fans. The majority of those have publicly spoken about completely removing this rule as it gives an unfair advantage to batters. With an increase in high-scoring games, fans in particular have started to feel a bit irritated as there is no even contest between bat and ball. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni is also not in favor of the impact player rule. The wicketkeeper-batter has given a blunt explanation of why he felt the rule was unwanted when it was implemented.
Ever since the rule came to IPL in 2023 season, it has diminished role of all-rounders. Majority of teams are also attacking right from the outset as the rule provides an extra cushion of a batter. Dhoni, who is coming into bat at number eight since the impact player rule said he is not categorized in this bracket as he is always involved in the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
“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,” Dhoni told JioStar.
RCB star Virat kohli also stated that while the rule is certainly entertaining the crowds as big scores are posted, the right-hand batter prefers for there to be an equal balance between bat and ball. Kohli also said that his spike in strike rate was the direct result of the rule, with the top-order batters maximizing the power play due to the presence of an extra batter.
MS Dhoni disagrees with the notion of high-scoring games are because of impact player rule
Dhoni has not echoed Kohli's sentiments regarding the impact player rule being the sole reason for games in IPL being high scoring ones. The CSK star rather feels its due to conditions and player's mindset that games have become more batter friendly than before.
“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.”
For the unversed, there are talks going on between IPL governing body and BCCI about discarding the impact player rule in IPL from next season, as majority of the franchises are against it.
