NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Heinrich Klaasen believes Chennai Super Kings will remain a formidable force in IPL 2026 even without the presence of their much-loved former captain MS Dhoni. Speaking in the aftermath of a challenging start for SRH this season, the South African said Dhoni’s absence does not materially alter the threat level posed by the five-time champions, arguing that CSK’s strength extends well beyond any single name in the playing XI.
After noting SRH’s uneven early form, Klaasen played down the idea that missing Dhoni will weaken CSK significantly. He pointed to CSK’s enduring record in the competition and suggested the side’s overall structure and mindset continue to deliver results regardless of who is at the helm on any given day. “CSK have an incredible record in the IPL. Even if Dhoni isn’t there, they don’t become a much smaller side. They are still a very strong team, and it won’t be an easy match,” Klaasen said during an interaction hosted at the JioStar Press Room.
While Klaasen acknowledged Dhoni’s stature, his central message was that the impact of his absence is more visible in the leadership department than in batting output. In Klaasen’s view, CSK’s batting and decision-making can be sustained through contributions from other players, even if Dhoni is not making the same kind of on-field impact with the bat. “Dhoni not being there doesn’t really make much of a difference. It’s more about what the other guys bring. I don’t think his absence will create a huge change, apart from the leadership,” he added.
Klaasen also referenced Dhoni’s recent batting involvement, saying the veteran has been required to face only a small number of deliveries in the last few years. “He has been coming in to bat for just 5-10 balls in the last few years,” Klaasen noted, underlining the logic behind why CSK can still function effectively without their iconic finisher playing a larger role in the middle overs.
For SRH, the context behind Klaasen’s comments is a season that has started with momentum swings rather than steady progress. The batter’s assessment arrives when SRH are searching for a turnaround following defeats in two of their opening three outings. Their only win so far has come against Kolkata Knight Riders, while losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants have highlighted areas that need improvement.
Despite those setbacks, Klaasen sounded confident that SRH can regroup quickly. “It’s still early days in the tournament. We are confident we’ll fire in all departments going forward,” he said, signalling a belief that the squad still has enough time to correct its course.
SRH’s planning has also been affected by the temporary absence of captain Pat Cummins, with Ishan Kishan taking over the leadership role. With leadership responsibilities shifting, Klaasen’s remarks about CSK’s depth and SRH’s own need to find rhythm take on added significance ahead of the matchup.
Looking specifically toward the encounter with CSK, Klaasen stressed the importance of applying pressure on a batting unit that can hurt teams once it settles. He highlighted Shivam Dube’s current form and praised CSK’s opening options, while insisting SRH have to tighten the margins and restrict scoring opportunities rather than simply react after the batters gain momentum. “Shivam (Dube) is in good form, and their openers are fantastic — we just need to squeeze them a bit more,” Klaasen said.
Klaasen also spoke about his own comfort against spin, suggesting he expects to face spin early and is prepared to take the game to the bowlers. “I’ve played a lot against spinners. They are coming for me, and I am going after them,” he said, reflecting an aggressive intent that could prove crucial if CSK’s bowling plans lean heavily on turning deliveries.
With both franchises working to establish consistency in IPL 2026, Klaasen’s blunt assessment adds extra heat to what promises to be a high-stakes clash, particularly given the storyline around Dhoni’s absence and SRH’s determination to bounce back.
