Former India captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has revealed that he wasn't a fan of the 'impact player' rule when it was first introduced in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Many speculated that it will help players like Dhoni play as 'impact player' but the five-time IPL-winning captain said that he wants to keep wickets and be involved in the game all the time.
"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 wicket-keeping, so I am not an impact player," Dhoni told 'JioStar'.
"I have to be involved in the game. 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," he added.
Since the 'impact player' rule has been introduced, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) 263/5 from 2013 edition is the only score left in top 10 IPL scores of all time. However, Dhoni does not see high-scoring games are seen more due to the luxury of having an extra batter. He feels it is just a part of T20's evolution.
"The number of runs being scored isn't just because of an extra batsman. It's about the mindset, teams now have the comfort of an extra batter, so they play more aggressively," the 43-year-old said.
"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," he added.
Who Dhoni performed in campaign opener
Dhoni has not plans of retiring yet as he is still enjoying representing CSK. He ensured that everyone knows that his reflexes have not taken a drastic hit. He affected a lightning fast stumping to send Mumbai Indians (MI) stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav back to the dugout.
In the run chase, he walked out to bat in the penultimate over and played two dot balls before Rachin Ravindra finished the game with a maximum.
CSK's next clash
Dhoni will be seen in action again as CSK go up against Rajat Patidar-led RCB at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on March 28. The last time CSK lost at their homeground to RCB was in the inaugural edition in 2008.