MS Dhoni's final IPL season? AB de Villiers gives a major update on the legend

NEW DELHI: As MS Dhoni gears up for another IPL season with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), speculation looms over whether this might be his final campaign in the league. Having led CSK to their fifth title triumph in the previous season, Dhoni's leadership and experience remain invaluable assets for the team.

As the Yellow Brigade prepares to step onto the field once again, all eyes are on Dhoni as he aims to steer CSK towards yet another shot at IPL glory.

While questions persist about his future beyond this season, Dhoni's focus is undoubtedly fixed on the task at hand: guiding his team to success, starting with the highly anticipated clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener on March 22 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Also See: How to watch IPL Cricket 2024

South Africa legend AB de Villiers said Dhoni's team will once enter into the tournament as title favourites.

“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 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,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

1/8:5 Star Indian players who never won IPL Orange Cap

Getty Images

2/8:Gautam Gambhir

<p>Gautam Gambhir, with 4217 runs across 154 matches in the Indian Premier League, fell short of clinching the IPL Orange Cap.</p>Getty Images

3/8:Virender Sehwag

<p>Virender Sehwag's explosive batting yielded 2728 runs in 104 matches, but the IPL Orange Cap eluded him.</p>Getty Images

4/8:Suresh Raina

<p>Earning the nickname, "Mr. IPL", Suresh Raina's consistent performances amassed 5528 runs in 205 matches, but he never won the IPL Orange Cap.</p>Getty Images

5/8:Yuvraj Singh

<p>Yuvraj Singh's flair and power accumulated 2750 runs in 132 matches, but he never claimed the IPL Orange Cap.</p>Getty Images

6/8:MS Dhoni

<p>MS Dhoni's leadership and batting prowess earned him 5082 runs in 250 matches and CSK six IPL titles, yet the IPL Orange Cap remained out of reach.</p>Getty Images

7/8:Highest score of 93

<p>Gautam Gambhir's highest score of 93 showcases his resilience, but the IPL Orange Cap remained a distant achievement.</p>Getty Images

8/8:Highest score of 122

<p>Virender Sehwag's highest score of 122 reflects his dominance, but the IPL Orange Cap remained an unattained accolade</p>Getty Images

5 Star Indian players who never won IPL Orange Cap

De Villiers, who represented RCB and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) during his IPL career, lauded CSK and credited Dhoni for making the five-time champions an 'intimidating team'.

“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,” De Villiers said.

1/10:IPL 2024: Top 10 highest-paid cricketers from each team

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2/10:Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)

<p>Earning a staggering 247.5 million rupees ($2.98m), Mitchell Starc tops the list as the highest-paid cricketer in IPL 2024.</p>Getty Images

3/10:Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

<p>Securing the second spot, Pat Cummins boasts a contract worth 205 million rupees ($2.46m) with Sunrisers Hyderabad.</p>Getty Images

4/10:Sam Curran (Punjab Kings)

<p>Punjab Kings' key player, Sam Curran, stands at the third position, earning an impressive 185 million rupees ($2.22m) for IPL 2024.</p>Getty Images

5/10:Cameron Green (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

<p>Cameron Green, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, commands a contract worth 175 million rupees ($2.1m) as the fourth-highest earner.</p>Getty Images

6/10:KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants)

<p>Leading Lucknow Super Giants, KL Rahul secures the fifth position with a lucrative deal of 170 million rupees ($2m).</p>Getty Images

7/10:Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings)

<p>Chennai Super Kings' star all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, holds the sixth spot with a contract valued at 160 million rupees ($1.92m).</p>Getty Images

8/10:Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)

<p>Mumbai Indians' captain, Rohit Sharma, shares the sixth position with Jadeja, also earning 160 million rupees ($1.92m).</p>Getty Images

9/10:Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)

<p>Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant of Delhi Capitals matches the earnings of Jadeja and Sharma, standing at 160 million rupees ($1.92m).</p>Getty Images

10/10:Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)

<p>Gujarat Titans' star spinner, Rashid Khan, secures the ninth spot with a contract worth 150 million rupees ($1.8m) in IPL 2024.</p>Getty Images

IPL 2024: Top 10 highest-paid cricketers from each team

“That is always a great characteristic of a very successful unit, of a very successful franchise. When you are playing well, it’s, ‘Yes, no problem, no one’s gonna stop us’ but when you are not playing so well – they always find a way to compete,” he added.

“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,” the South African said.