'Can we get more of MS Dhoni out in the middle': Dale Steyn wants CSK star to bat up the order

The legendary former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni might be playing his final IPL season, but he is showing no signs of slowing down. Among those in awe of Dhoni's brilliance is South African pace great Dale Steyn, who can't get enough of watching the 42-year-old bat.

Dhoni has been in excellent form in IPL 2024 so far for the CSK. In the four innings he has played, the 42-year-old has remained unbeaten, including two brilliant cameos. Against Delhi Capitals, he smashed a 16-ball 37 including four boundaries and three sixes.

In CSK's last game versus Mumbai Indians, the stumper-batter provided the late finish by smashing 20 runs off just four deliveries, with three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya's bowling. His innings proved to be the game-changer as CSK won the game by 20 runs.

The explosive batting from the fan favourite has left Dale Steyn heaping for more. The South African pacer spoke about being fascinated by Dhoni's performances in IPL 2024.

“Not only has it engulfed the IPL. That's engulfed many South Africans and myself. To be honest with you, I don't watch a lot of TV, but I seem to be glued to the seat when the IPL is on my girlfriend says that my TV is broken, it's stuck on cricket right now IPL and watching MS the other night. That's exactly what we want to do,” Steyn said on Jio Cinema.

Also Read: Playing with MS Dhoni will always remain in my special memories: KL Rahul

I've been on the receiving end of it before: Dale Steyn

The Proteas pacer, who has been at the receiving end of Dhoni's power-hitting, expressed his love for watching the legend bat. 

“You know, I've been on the receiving end of it before. I've watched it from a fan's point of view, I loved it. I mean, I am in a much better mood because of what I've just seen. So can we get more of MS Dhoni out in the middle? That would be great,” he further added.

Also Read: LSG come up with special MS Dhoni hoardings ahead of Friday clash

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged Dhoni's impact after his heroics against MI proved to be the difference, “Those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue,” he said.

CSK are currently third on the points table with eight points, winning four out of their six games. The defending champions will face Lucknow Super Giants next on Friday, April 19 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.