In his direct response to the IPL’s Impact Player rule, MS Dhoni said, “Aur masala daalne ki zaroorat nahi hai.”

Since its implementation in 2023, the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Impact Player rule has generated discussion. The rule gives teams an advantage by allowing them to replace a player at any time throughout the game. Many experts and former players, however, have questioned it, arguing that it lessens the thrill and diminishes the role of all-rounders.

He underlined that IPL matches were fiercely contested and drew large audiences even prior to the rule’s introduction.

He clarified that the influence of the regulation has been overstated, pointing out that playing conditions, not simply the extra batter, are more often responsible for high-scoring games. He added that even while he is aware of the rule’s possible benefits, he does not directly gain from it.

“When it first came out, I said one thing that IPL is in such a good position, aur koi masala daalne ki zaroorat nahi hai (there’s no need to spice it up further),” Dhoni stated on Jio Hotstar.

“The matches were quite competitive, the games were proceeding well, and the scores were already fairly high. This format frequently results in matches ending in five overs; if you lose too many wickets or don’t get enough runs, the opposition wins with ease.

“You are usually out of the game if you lose a few wickets early. Since TRP is up, cricket is of high quality, and talented players are emerging, I didn’t think this restriction was necessary at the time it was imposed. In a way, it helps, but it doesn’t help me because I still have to play the game and do my keeping, so I’m not an impact player.

Additionally, some claim that games have grown high-scoring due to the impact player rule. I believe the circumstances are to blame. You feel comforted by the extra batter. It’s not like you scored a lot of runs because of that additional batter.

In the meantime, the 43-year-old seasoned batsman-wicketkeeper once again showed off his skills behind the stumps in CSK’s IPL 2025 opener against the Mumbai Indians (MI). MI captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed by Dhoni’s crisp stumping during the match. With a six off Mitchell Santner’s bowling, youthful Rachin Ravindra sealed the victory, but fans were still hoping to see Dhoni close the game in his own way. With a four-wicket victory, the five-time winners started the 2025 season on a high note.