Sunrisers Hyderabad may not have hit peak rhythm in IPL 2026, but Heinrich Klaasen is refusing to read too much into Chennai Super Kings’ poor start ahead of their highly anticipated clash in Hyderabad. The South African wicketkeeper-batter believes CSK remain a dangerous side, even as they continue to search for their first win of the season.

SRH, led by Ishan Kishan in the absence of Pat Cummins, have also had a mixed campaign so far, winning just one of their first three matches. Still, the upcoming rivalry-week fixture against CSK on April 18 offers them a strong chance to build momentum against one of the most experienced teams in IPL history.

CSK, meanwhile, are under pressure after a slow start and the continued absence of MS Dhoni. Even so, Klaasen was quick to point out that writing off the five-time champions would be a mistake.

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“They (CSK) have got an incredible IPL record and they’ve always been a strong side. Without Dhoni there, it doesn’t make them any less of a good side. The players that they have currently in that setup are unbelievable as well,” Heinrich Klaasen said on the JioStar Press Room while responding to a News18-CricketNext question.

Klaasen also stressed that Chennai’s batting unit has enough firepower to turn things around quickly, especially once Dewald Brevis returns from injury. The young South African has missed CSK’s first three matches after picking up a training injury, but his comeback could strengthen the middle order.

“I know they’re going to get Dewald Brevis back, so that’s going to strengthen their middle order. The two openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson, up front haven’t really scored anything yet, so they’re due for runs. It’s not going to be an easy game,” he added.

Even while backing CSK’s quality, Klaasen hopes their batting struggles continue for one more match.

“Hopefully, their form struggles a little bit against us, so we can put them under pressure. But they’re always a good side. It’s always nice playing against them because you want to play against the best sides in the world,” he said.

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He also played down the impact of Dhoni’s absence on CSK’s overall setup, suggesting that the veteran still influences games from the dugout.

“But without Dhoni there, it doesn’t really make a difference. He’s still in the dugout and giving his experience to the guys. He has normally batted probably the last two seasons for 10 balls anyway, so it’s more the other guys in the team that you have to worry about,” Heinrich Klaasen added.