In 2010, I thought Dhoni didn’t know how to bat: Nortje

South African paceman Anrich Nortje recalled an incident, saying he felt MS Dhoni didn't know how to bat when he got an opportunity to bowl to the former India captain in the nets during the 2010 Champions League T20 in South Africa. The 27-year-old was just 16 back then and was called upon to bowl at the Chennai Super Kings nets.

"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. 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," said Nortje on The Grade Cricketer podcast.

"(But) afterward he was such a nice man to see everyone and realise who they were. I am not going to lie. I did think he didn’t know how to bat. It was a nice buildup seeing everyone around in the nets. They were just to block, get their eyes in."

The Men in Yellow went on to win the tournament and defeated South African local team Warriors in the final by eight wickets. Dhoni scored 91 runs in five innings and remained unbeaten in three of those.

Nortje, who plays for Delhi Capitals in IPL, is currently in West Indies. South Africa are scheduled to play two Test and five T20Is against the Men in Maroon. The tearaway fast bowler has played 24 international games so far and picked up 63 wickets.