Dale Steyn believes Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday could be a genuine “turning point” in their IPL campaign—one that helps the franchise push into the top four of the points table. Steyn pointed to the momentum SRH have built recently, with consecutive victories, including a 10-run triumph over CSK at Chepauk on Saturday. Speaking on Star Sports after the match, the former South Africa fast bowler said the result underlined that the side has rediscovered its best form following a slow start to the season.
SRH’s climb and the Chepauk breakthrough
Steyn framed the CSK result as more than just two points, suggesting it can lift the team’s confidence and keep them rising in the standings. He highlighted how SRH’s recent run has been shaped by back-to-back wins and stressed that the performance against CSK showed they are operating at a higher level than they were earlier in the tournament.
- Steyn described the CSK victory as a potential “turning point” for SRH’s push toward the top four.
- He stressed that SRH are currently in strong form after securing consecutive wins.
- He referenced the 10-run win over CSK at Chepauk as a key part of that momentum.
Steyn on the batting and bowling swing
On match specifics, Steyn noted that SRH laid a solid platform with the bat after being guided by Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, who played key roles in steering the innings to 194/9. He then praised SRH’s response with the ball, saying the bowling unit restricted CSK to 184/8, with Eshan Malinga producing a standout spell of 3/29 from four overs.
- SRH finished on 194/9, with Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge.
- CSK were kept to 184/8 in reply.
- Eshan Malinga took 3/29 in four overs during the CSK innings.
The mid-innings message to Steyn
Steyn also revealed what Klaasen told him at the halfway stage. He said that during a conversation at the mid-innings break, Klaasen felt SRH were likely 10 or 15 runs short of the total they needed, and that a major bowling effort would be required to defend the score.
Steyn added that SRH went out and delivered exactly that, backing up their batting with a disciplined, high-intensity bowling performance.
Fielding intensity and the “commitment to the cause”
Steyn pointed to the team’s effort in the field as a deciding factor in the contest. He said SRH showed exceptional intensity, taking difficult catches and maintaining strong focus throughout. He also described a moment he noticed late in the game—Klaasen, fielding at long-off, turning to the crowd and showing the SRH badge with the message of gratitude and belief.
In Steyn’s view, that spirit is part of what makes the win significant, because it can become the spark for SRH to keep climbing the points table.
- Steyn said SRH fielded extremely hard and held their catches under pressure.
- He described Klaasen’s long-off moment as a gesture of appreciation to the crowd.
- Steyn called the victory a potential catalyst for SRH’s continued rise in the standings.
Malinga at the death and Klaasen’s match-shaping role
Steyn devoted special attention to how SRH handled the final overs. He said that when CSK needed to strike big shots, Malinga delivered pinpoint yorkers from “right on the block hole,” combining accuracy with timing to control the tempo at the back end. Steyn also explained how Malinga approached Gaikwad early in the spell—using a bouncer to rush him—then maintained pressure before the ball “got a bit older,” allowing him to hit the block hole and ultimately force the wicket.
Turning to SRH’s batting, Steyn said Abhishek’s early fireworks provided the foundation, while Klaasen’s experience helped inject momentum in the middle overs. He added that Klaasen knows he can clear the boundary whenever he chooses and praised his ability to lift the strike rate, while also holding the innings together when wickets fell.
Steyn further noted that Klaasen has repeatedly stepped in when SRH face setbacks, describing him as a consistent rescuer who helps the team reach competitive totals. He also highlighted Klaasen’s current form in terms of the Orange Cap, saying that with steady batting performances he deserves to be the holder of that award this season.
- Steyn praised Malinga’s death bowling, especially his yorkers aimed at the “block hole.”
- He said Malinga used a bouncer to rush Gaikwad and later surprised him to take the wicket.
- Steyn called Malinga’s spell a “fantastic” piece of death bowling.
- He credited Abhishek’s top-order impact and Klaasen’s middle-overs control for SRH’s innings.
- Steyn said Klaasen is capable of lifting the strike rate at will and has held the innings together under pressure.
- He added that Klaasen has been consistent enough to deserve the Orange Cap.
