Numbers favour Klaasen ahead of Narine-Varun showdown: SRH star’s power-hitting could decide IPL 2026 clash vs KKR

Heinrich Klaasen has never been dismissed by Sunil Narine in eight T20 innings. Against Varun Chakaravarthy, he has a strike rate of 211.32.

Published on: Apr 2, 2026, 16:19:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Heinrich Klaasen has a dominant record against KKR spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy in T20s. The SRH wicketkeeper-batter will be key against KKR in his side's IPL 2026 fixture on Thursday. Both sides lost their opening games and will be seeking two points at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Heinrich Klaasen will be key against KKR's spin duo.

KKR lost to MI in their opening, by six wickets. Meanwhile, SRH fell to a six-wicket defeat too, against Rajat Patidar's RCB.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan’s SRH look doomed in Pat Cummins’ absence! This is what they need to do against KKR

Other than their opening pair of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and skipper Ishan Kishan at No. 3, Klaasen will be crucial in the middle order. He has never been dismissed by Narine in eight T20 innings and has registered 85 runs in 52 deliveries at a strike rate of 163.46. Although he has been dismissed by Varun thrice in nine T20 innings, he has also smacked him for 112 runs in 53 balls, and boasts a strike rate of 211.32 against the India international.

In IPL 2026, KKR are without key players due to injuries and unavailability. It was well-reflected in their defeat against MI, where the opposition side chased down a target of 221 with ease. The pacers were weak, and Cameron Green didn't bowl.

Meanwhile, Narine and Chakaravarthy were equally poor. But the pair do have a good record at the Eden Gardens. In T20 cricket, no other bowler has more wickets at this venue than Narine, and Varun is fourth on the list.

In his pre-match press conference, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori said, "In terms of KKR's spin bowlers, I think there's an immense amount of respect around those two and what they've done for the franchise, what they've done for their country, so in no way will we be taking them lightly, even if they didn't have their best day in the last game."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.