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\u2019s absence does not materially alter the threat level posed by the five-time champions, arguing that CSK\u2019s strength extends well beyond any single name in the playing XI.<\/p>\n
After noting SRH\u2019s uneven early form, Klaasen played down the idea that missing Dhoni will weaken CSK significantly. He pointed to CSK\u2019s enduring record in the competition and suggested the side\u2019s overall structure and mindset continue to deliver results regardless of who is at the helm on any given day. \u201cCSK have an incredible record in the IPL. Even if Dhoni isn\u2019t there, they don\u2019t become a much smaller side. They are still a very strong team, and it won\u2019t be an easy match,\u201d Klaasen said during an interaction hosted at the JioStar Press Room.<\/p>\n
While Klaasen acknowledged Dhoni\u2019s stature, his central message was that the impact of his absence is more visible in the leadership department than in batting output. In Klaasen\u2019s view, CSK\u2019s 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. \u201cDhoni not being there doesn\u2019t really make much of a difference. It\u2019s more about what the other guys bring. I don\u2019t think his absence will create a huge change, apart from the leadership,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Klaasen also referenced Dhoni\u2019s recent batting involvement, saying the veteran has been required to face only a small number of deliveries in the last few years. \u201cHe has been coming in to bat for just 5-10 balls in the last few years,\u201d Klaasen noted, underlining the logic behind why CSK can still function effectively without their iconic finisher playing a larger role in the middle overs.<\/p>\n
For SRH, the context behind Klaasen\u2019s comments is a season that has started with momentum swings rather than steady progress. The batter\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Despite those setbacks, Klaasen sounded confident that SRH can regroup quickly. \u201cIt\u2019s still early days in the tournament. We are confident we\u2019ll fire in all departments going forward,\u201d he said, signalling a belief that the squad still has enough time to correct its course.<\/p>\n
SRH\u2019s 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\u2019s remarks about CSK\u2019s depth and SRH\u2019s own need to find rhythm take on added significance ahead of the matchup.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s current form and praised CSK\u2019s opening options, while insisting SRH have to tighten the margins and restrict scoring opportunities rather than simply react after the batters gain momentum. \u201cShivam (Dube) is in good form, and their openers are fantastic \u2014 we just need to squeeze them a bit more,\u201d Klaasen said.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cI\u2019ve played a lot against spinners. They are coming for me, and I am going after them,\u201d he said, reflecting an aggressive intent that could prove crucial if CSK\u2019s bowling plans lean heavily on turning deliveries.<\/p>\n
With both franchises working to establish consistency in IPL 2026, Klaasen\u2019s blunt assessment adds extra heat to what promises to be a high-stakes clash, particularly given the storyline around Dhoni\u2019s absence and SRH\u2019s determination to bounce back. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: Klaasen on CSK strength without Dhoni","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"IPL 2026: Heinrich Klaasen says CSK\u2019s strength won\u2019t fade without MS Dhoni, insisting the five-time champions stay a major threat.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n