Sunrisers Hyderabad power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen has heaped praise on captain Ishan Kishan, highlighting how calmly the young wicketkeeper-batter manages key moments and how effectively he involves both senior voices and on-field adjustments. With Pat Cummins unavailable for the opening stretch due to recovery from a lumbar stress concern, Kishan has led SRH during the early phase of the season—winning once and losing twice—leaving the franchise fifth in the standings.
Key takeaways
- Klaasen described Ishan Kishan as an outstanding captain, stressing his composed approach to decision-making.
- SRH’s interim leadership for the early matches fell to Kishan because Pat Cummins was sidelined with a lumbar stress issue.
- Under Kishan, SRH have registered one win and two defeats, positioning them fifth on the points table.
- Klaasen credited his own early batting returns—145 runs across three outings, including two half-centuries—for boosting his confidence.
- The next stretch for SRH includes three consecutive home fixtures against Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
Kishan’s leadership style and SRH’s early results
Speaking in the JioStar Press Room ahead of the IPL 2026 Rivalry Week, Klaasen said Kishan has made an immediate impression through his willingness to seek advice and the way he blends experience from the dressing room into matchday calls. He also pointed to Kishan’s command over bowling changes and the way the squad listens to him, calling it “phenomenal” so far.
Klaasen further noted that Kishan’s leadership approach is not marked by arrogance, which makes the atmosphere easier for teammates to deal with—particularly because IPL pressure can be intense. He added that the captaincy has had a lighter side as well, with banter and jokes helping keep things from becoming overly serious.
The wicketkeeper-batter’s domestic credentials were also highlighted by Klaasen. He said Kishan enjoyed success in the domestic circuit, specifically referencing that Jharkhand won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy under Kishan’s captaincy, adding that this background provides valuable experience. Klaasen said he has genuinely enjoyed playing under Kishan and believes the captain has been incredible in the early phase.
Klaasen’s form, workload concerns, and upcoming home stretch
Despite SRH dropping two matches in the campaign, Klaasen said his own batting rhythm has been a personal satisfaction. He has scored 145 runs in three games, with two half-centuries, and he linked part of that encouragement to the fact that he is not featuring as frequently as he used to after retiring from international cricket and focusing mainly on franchise T20 leagues.
He acknowledged that one of his key concerns going into the season was how to keep up with the standard he sets for himself, given the reduced match time compared to earlier years. Klaasen described the start as “pretty good” and expressed hope that the current form will continue.
After their game versus Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh, SRH—who were champions in 2016—will play three matches in a row at their home ground. The opponents in that sequence are Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The meeting with CSK drew extra attention, with Klaasen noting the contest will carry added weight because the five-time champions are yet to open their account on the points table. He said it is always enjoyable to play against CSK, and he also referenced the emotional factor of SRH’s owners being based in Chennai, which naturally increases pressure to perform and secure a win in such a matchup. Klaasen said SRH will look to build momentum into the next game and then face Chennai back at home.
On the tactical and venue angle, Klaasen suggested that the wicket should play slightly better and that SRH’s aim will be to gain an advantage heading into CSK’s home territory later in the season. He added that performing well across this stretch is essential, since in the IPL every team demands your best to deliver results.
Facing spinners, naming Chahal, and Klaasen on IPL’s difficulty
Klaasen also addressed the challenge of confronting opposition spinners who, in his view, have clearly studied his game. While he said boundaries are not always small compared to other venues, he emphasized that the wickets offer a lot for spinners and batters alike, making it a “nice place to come back in”—even though it remains a major test. He said he knows the plans are aimed at him and that he, in turn, must prepare with fresh homework to discover new scoring methods against those bowlers.
When asked about the toughest spinner he has faced in IPL cricket, Klaasen responded quickly by naming senior leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. He called Chahal a high-quality and clever bowler, suggesting their contests have been fairly balanced, with results swinging either way. Klaasen also described Chahal as a good mate, saying that makes the battles on the pitch even more enjoyable.
In closing, Klaasen labeled the IPL as the pinnacle competition in franchise T20 cricket. He said it is among the toughest franchise events in the world and suggested it can sometimes feel tougher than international cricket, depending on who you are playing and the conditions. He added that each season brings in new Indian talent—players who are unknown to many before the tournament but quickly prove themselves—raising the overall standard. For Klaasen, that steady flow of high-level performers keeps the bar extremely high, making it difficult to succeed unless you are at your very best.
