South Africa speedster Anrich Nortje on Monday (June 7) recalled former India skipper MS Dhoni as a batsman who he thought didn’t know how to use his ft and bat whereas bowling to him throughout nets within the 2010 Champions League T20 in South Africa.
Nortje, now with Delhi Capitals within the Indian Premier League (IPL), was 16 then and was referred to as upon to bowl on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) nets. Dhoni was main CSK.
“I wasn’t that big, so wasn’t scaring anyone. It was age group [that I was playing those days], so I wasn’t that quick,” mentioned Nortje on The Grade Cricketer podcast.
“I remember bowling to MS in the nets there. He didn’t look like he could bat to be honest. I didn’t realise it was him. He hit a couple of balls almost standing still and not using any feet as he does. [But] afterwards he was such a nice man to see everyone and realise who they were,” Nortje mentioned from West Indies the place he’s at the moment situated with the South Africa staff that’s due to play white ball collection.
“I am not going to lie. I did think he didn’t know how to bat,” added the 27-year-old. “It was a nice buildup seeing everyone around in the nets. They were just to block, get their eyes in.”
The SA pacer helped Delhi Capitals to qualify for the 2020 IPL closing, taking 22 wickets.
Dhoni’s CSK went on to win the Champions League T20 beating South African native staff Warriors within the closing by eight wickets.
Dhoni aggregated 91 throughout 5 innings though he remained not out in three of these innings. He averaged 45.5 thanks to his unbeaten knocks. His highest was 31 not in and out the ultimate, he remained unbeaten on 17.
CSK received the title once more in 2014. Between these two titles by CSK, Mumbai Indians received twice – in 2011 and 2013.
