Pretorius is fresh off his maiden Indian Premier League campaign where is represented the Chennai Super Kings.

While playing in the IPL was a dream from true for the North West Dragons allrounder, it’s the lessons learnt in the competition that he values this most.

Dhoni has long been regarded at one of the coolest heads in the game and its this quality has had led to the Indian team’s success over the best part of two decades.

Pretorius said that Dhoni’s optimistic never-say-die attitude is something that has rubbed off on his and with a fresh mindset it can take his game to new heights.

“The biggest thing I learnt from him is how calm he is at the crease and how much he tries to take pressure off himself and put it onto the bowler.

“He made me realise that at the death, the batter isn't under more pressure, it's actually the bowler that is under more pressure.

“As a bowler, you can still lose the match if you have to defend 18 off the last three balls and as a batter you can win it. It was a fresh mindset. He doesn't get too excited. He doesn't get too down on himself.

“Anything is always possible and I love that about him. He is very optimistic. He believes he can do anything.”

The first of five T20 Internationals will be played on Thursday in Delhi. This game is scheduled to get underway at 15:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport