MS Dhoni, the iconic former India captain, is gearing up for his much-anticipated return to the cricket field in IPL 2024, leading the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Last season, despite battling a knee injury, Dhoni steered CSK to their record-equaling fifth IPL title, cementing their status as one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history alongside Mumbai Indians.
Entering his early forties, speculation had swirled that IPL 2023 might mark Dhoni’s final season as a player. However, the enigmatic leader has once again defied expectations, committing to another campaign in pursuit of an unprecedented sixth title. As the IPL season commences on March 22 with CSK facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai, the inevitable question looms: Will IPL 2024 be Dhoni’s farewell tour?
South African cricketing maestro AB de Villiers weighed in on the topic, likening Dhoni to a relentless “diesel engine” whose endurance defies prediction. Reflecting on Dhoni’s enduring legacy, De Villiers remarked on his unparalleled contributions as both player and captain.
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“There were a lot of rumours about MS Dhoni finishing up last year, that was not the case, ladies and gentlemen,” AB de Villiers acknowledged on his YouTube channel. “He would be back again. Will this be his final season? No one knows. He just seems to be this diesel engine that never ends. He keeps running. What an incredible player, what an incredible captain.”
AB de Villiers, who has experienced the intensity of facing CSK in the IPL firsthand, credited Dhoni, head coach Stephen Fleming, and senior players like Ravindra Jadeja for fostering a formidable team culture. He highlighted CSK’s resilience and adaptability as key factors behind their sustained success.
“I believe it’s through their presence, it’s through the leadership of MSD, a calm coach in Stephen Fleming, senior players in Ravi Jadeja and others who have really set this incredible culture alive. They are a very intimidating team to play against. They are never easy to beat,” AB de Villiers noted.
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As CSK embarks on their title defence, De Villiers emphasized that the absence of external pressure could make them even more formidable opponents. With the luxury of playing without the burden of expectation, CSK possesses the freedom to express themselves on the field, posing a significant threat to their rivals.
“They won last year. Yes, they want to defend their title but there’s almost no pressure on MSD and his troops, and I think that makes them dangerous. Can they go back-to-back? They certainly have the ability,” AB de Villiers concluded.
