MS Dhoni was initially not in favour of the BCCI implementing the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the 2023 season. He believed the tournament was already thriving and did not require further changes at that stage.
“When it first came up, I said IPL is in such a good position, aur kuch aage masala dalne ki zarurat nahi hai (no need to spice up things). Games were already quite high-scoring; the matches were quite competitive,” Dhoni said in a chat with JioStar.
“I said it’s not really needed at this point in time – your TRP is high, the quality of cricket is good, good players are coming up, but it was implemented.
“In a way, it helps me, but it still doesn’t help me because I still have to keep, so I’m not an Impact Player,” he added.
Role in IPL 2024
In IPL 2024, Dhoni pushed himself down the batting order, aiming to bat for no more than two or three overs. This decision was influenced by two factors: managing his knee problem and providing more opportunities to Indian players vying for a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.
“From our team (Chennai Super Kings), Jaddu was a contender, Shivam Dube, so you obviously want to give them a chance. I was not competing for that place and also, they were doing the job,” the 43-year-old said.
“So overall, if everybody is doing their role, it takes the pressure off me. If they were not batting well, then the thinking changes. But if everybody is doing well, so why not,” Dhoni added.
Evolution of IPL Scoring
Since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, the scoring rate has consistently risen. According to Dhoni, improvements in pitch conditions and a shift in players’ mindset have played a key role.
“You need to adapt as per the requirement. The way cricket is played nowadays is quite different. The way cricket was played in 2008 and last year, especially IPL, is very different,” Dhoni, who had a strike rate of 220.5 last season, said.
“We need to acknowledge the fact that previously wickets used to have lots of turn; wickets were two-paced. Now, the wickets have become much better; they are more batter-friendly,” he opined.
