This is how T20 cricket has evolved,’ says Dhoni on ‘Impact Player’ rule

Chennai

Former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend M.S. Dhoni has shared his views on the much-debated Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the rule allows teams to bring in an extra player during a match, Dhoni believes that the recent surge in high-scoring games is not necessarily a result of this rule but is more influenced by playing conditions and the growing comfort level of players.

Speaking about the rule, Dhoni emphasized that while having an additional player does provide teams with more flexibility, the real reason behind the increasing number of high-scoring encounters lies elsewhere. The Impact Player rule gives teams an advantage, but the rise in big totals is more due to pitch conditions and the way players have adapted over time, he stated.

In recent IPL seasons, matches have frequently seen scores crossing the 200-run mark, leading to discussions on whether rule changes have tilted the game in favor of batters. However, Dhoni pointed out that modern players are more accustomed to high-pressure situations and have developed better skills to counter different challenges.

As IPL 2025 unfolds, debates around the Impact Player rule continue, but Dhoni’s insights highlight that cricket's evolution, rather than just a rule change, is shaping the modern T20 format.