IPL 2025: MS Dhoni calls out Impact Player rule and its impact on the game

When Thala speaks, the cricketing world listens. And this time, MS Dhoni has raised eyebrows over the much-debated Impact Player Rule, questioning whether it’s changing the very mindset of the game.

In a recent interview, Dhoni admitted he had his reservations about the rule from the start. “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,” he explained. Unlike other players who can now be subbed in or out, Dhoni continues to do his wicketkeeping, meaning he’s always involved. But his concern runs deeper than just his role—it’s about how the rule affects the game as a whole.

The Impact Player Rule has turned the IPL into a run-fest, with teams fearlessly going after big totals because they know they have an extra batter in the tank. But Dhoni believes this is changing the game’s strategic balance. “Teams now have the comfort of an extra batter, so they play more aggressively. But it’s not that all four or five extra batters are being used—it’s just the confidence of having them,” he pointed out. In simpler terms, it’s not necessarily making teams better—it’s just making them bolder.

But Dhoni isn’t the only one raising concerns. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have also hinted at their reservations, questioning whether the rule is shifting the game from skill-based strategy to brute-force hitting. For cricket purists like Dhoni, the game isn’t just about boundaries and sixes—it’s about tactical battles, calculated risks, and smart decision-making under pressure.

So, could IPL reconsider the rule in the future? That remains to be seen. But if some of the biggest minds in cricket are questioning it, then perhaps the conversation is just getting started. One thing is certain—if Thala isn’t convinced, maybe the rulebook needs a second look!