How MS Dhoni inspired Proteas allrounder during IPL: 'Anything is possible'

Dwaine Pretorius is too level-headed to suddenly turn into a freewheeling cavalier, but the Proteas all-rounder now believes "anything is always possible" on a cricket field.

It's not an epiphany you'd expect from an accomplished 33-year-old international player, yet then again, that's exactly what you'd expect to find from someone who's played alongside MS Dhoni for the first time ever.

Pretorius belatedly fulfilled a 14-year "bucket list" wish over the past two months in representing the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), his first ever campaign in the powerhouse T20 tournament.

And the legendary Indian captain spread his immense aura exactly as one would've thought.

"I really enjoyed playing under Dhoni and batting with him," Pretorius said on Monday as South Africa build toward a five-match T20 series against India commencing on Thursday .

"Seeing the brand he has in India shows you how big he is and what he's done for the sport in this country."

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Pretorius only ended up playing six matches, though it was ample opportunity to soak up Dhoni's famed calmness and patience firsthand.

"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 said.

"He doesn't get too excited. He doesn't get too down on himself. Anything is always possible. He's very optimistic. He believes he can do anything. I'm going to try and bring that into my game - the calmness but also the self-belief that, from any position, any game can be won."

While it's unlikely that Pretorius will ever be the designated "finisher" with the bat for the