Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, former South African batter AB de Villiers has heaped praise on MS Dhoni, comparing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper to a diesel engine that never stops working.

During the triumphant IPL 2023 campaign, Dhoni struggled right through the tournament with a knee injury and speculations were rife that it could well be his last season. However, he vowed to return in 2024 fitness-permitting after lifting the coveted trophy.

At the age of 42, Dhoni is set to lead CSK in the IPL 2024 after undergoing surgery to treat his troubling knee.

“They played some incredible cricket last year. There were a lot of rumors 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.

De Villiers then highlighted the role of Dhoni's leadership, the calm guidance of coach Stephen Fleming and the experience of players like Ravindra Jadeja in CSK's success over the years.

"I believe it's through their presence, it's through the leadership of MSD, a calm coach in Stephen Fleming, senior players in Ravindra 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. 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.

The former RCB star emphasized the formidable aura surrounding CSK, describing them as an intimidating force on the cricket field. He also issued a warning to rival IPL teams, saying that the defending champions are unburdened by the weight of expectations.

"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," he concluded.

Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2024 opener at Chepauk on March 22.