Former South Africa batter Henrich Klaasen believes that the Sunrisers Hyderabad are still in the early stages of the competition and is optimistic that the 2016 IPL champions will perform well in every area moving forward following two losses in their opening three games.
In their first match, SRH was defeated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets, and in their most recent match, Lucknow Super Giants humiliated them by five wickets. They defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs, which was their lone victory.
“Our batting has been good so far, but we missed out about 40 runs in 3 games. We need to bat better. The two games that we struggled, we didn’t execute with the bat. The bowlers, especially the pacers have been fantastic. We need to get to 220-230 mark to give our bowlers chance of defending,” PTI quoted Klaasen telling JioStar.
“Our fielding has been poor and that’s what is affecting us. I will give us 6 out of 10 so far, we played some brilliant cricket in phases but lost out in the crucial phases of the game. Bowlers are hanging on as per plan, rest of the batting is doing well. I will give 80 per cent but our fielding needs to improve, we need to hold onto our catches. If you need to go 8-9 in rating, you need to build some momentum, you need to put all three compartments together,” he added.
Klaasen, who quit all international cricket last year and is currently only playing for franchise cricket, is pleased with his success after hitting straight fifties for SRH in their most recent two games.
“Unfortunately we lost two games but on a personal note, it was a good start for me especially since I am not playing too much cricket these days. I would like to continue the form,” he said..
Additionally, he is content with his position and duties at the No. 4 spot.
“It’s a role (No.4) that I had played throughout my whole career. In this role, you need to adapt to the situation, my role in the team is to keep going even if (Ishan) Kishan, Abhishek (Sharma) and Travis Head are going. My role is in phases, every game is going to produce a different situation and I just need to adapt to that,” he said.
On Saturday, SRH will take on Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.
Klaasen admitted that Pat Cummins, who left the camp to go home for a planned scan on his damaged back, is being missing by SRH. If permitted by Cricket Australia, he is anticipated to return around April 17. Ishan Kishan is leading the team in Cummins’ absence.
“Pat is big miss, he has heaps of experience but Ishan is doing a great job. I don’t think it is a big worry or big concern, we are in safe situation. He (Kishan) has been superb so far, he does ask for advice. His decision making, bowling changes have been very good. He is not an arrogant guy so it makes it easier. I have enjoyed playing under his captaincy.”
According to Klaasen, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s absence from the Chennai Super Kings is felt more as a leader than as a wicket-keeper batsman. Due to a calf ailment, Dhoni, who is likely playing in his final IPL, has not yet made an appearance for CSK in the competition. On April 18, SRH will host CSK; on May 18, they will travel to Chennai for the return match.
“CSK has got an incredible IPL record. Even with Dhoni not being there, they are not much of a less side. They are a very strong side. It’s not going to be an easy game. They are always a good, challenging side.
“Dhoni not there doesn’t really make much of a difference, it is more about other guys. With Dhoni not there I think the crowd will be a little bit quieter. I don’t think his absence will make such a big impact except for his leadership. He has been coming to bat for just 5-10 balls in the last few years,” he said.
Klaasen stated that although CSK’s batting lineup is strong, one should bowl more dot balls.
“Shivam (Dubey) is in good form, their two openers (Sanju Samsom and Ruturaj Gaikwad) are also fantastic, we just need to squeeze them a bit more.”
The 34-year-old South African says he enjoys the challenge of batting in the middle overs against spinners.
“Obviously, I played a lot of four-day cricket, played a lot against spinners. I am used to playing against ball turning away. I have been coming to India for past 5-6 years and have experience of playing spin. I have also played in Sri Lanka in the initial stages of my career. I am very blessed to have the skill-set of playing against spin but still it is a big challenge as they (spinners) are coming for me and I am going after them,” he said.
