In awe of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s longevity, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has in contrast the legendary wicket-keeper batter to a “diesel engine that never ends”. It is extremely tough for a participant to be taking part in on the highest degree for thus lengthy. But Dhoni has been doing preciously that for the Chennai Super Kings within the IPL. He is anticipated to guide the defending champions for the document fifteenth season throughout IPL 2024, having captained the aspect to a record-equalling fifth title final yr.

“There were a lot of rumours about MS Dhoni finishing up last year; that was not the case, ladies and gentlemen. He would be back again.

“Will this be his remaining season? No one is aware of. He simply appears to be this diesel engine that by no means ends. He retains operating. What an unimaginable participant, what an unimaginable captain,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

CSK has been a force to reckon with, winning the most number of championships alongside Mumbai Indians and most of its success has been attributed to sticking to the core group of senior players.

“I consider it is by way of their presence, it is by way of the management of MSD, a relaxed coach in Stephen Fleming, senior gamers in Ravindra Jadeja and others who’ve actually set this unimaginable tradition alive.

“They are a very intimidating team to play against. They are never easy to beat. That is always a great characteristic of a very successful unit, of a very successful franchise.

“When you’re taking part in nicely, it is ‘Yes, no drawback, nobody’s gonna cease us’. But, when you’re not taking part in so nicely, they at all times discover a method to compete,” de Villiers added.

CSK get their IPL 2024 campaign underway versus Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on on March 22.

“Mumbai Indians wanted Pandya to come back again”

All-rounder Hardik Pandya returns to Mumbai Indians after two seasons and de Villiers feels his return will solve the five-time champions’ balance issues, provided he bowls.

The 30-year-old, who won four IPL titles with MI after joining the franchise in 2015, left the side in 2022 to play for new franchise Gujarat Titans.

He led the Titans to the title in their debut season while finishing runner up last year.

“Hardik Pandya – they wanted him to come back again; in any other case, the stability simply did not look as robust. I believe Hardik goes to play an enormous position. Hopefully, he would be capable to maintain the ball in hand and be the all-rounder that Mumbai Indians want him to be,” stated de Villiers.

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