![\"\u2018Dhoni\u2019s](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130081346,imgsize-175508,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/ms-dhoni.jpg\" "\\"MS")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Heinrich Klaasen has made a striking assessment of Chennai Super Kings, stating that the absence of their charismatic former skipper MS Dhoni \u201cdoesn\u2019t really make much of a difference\u201d to the five-time champions in IPL 2026.Speaking after Sunrisers Hyderabad\u2019s mixed start to the season, Klaasen downplayed the impact of Dhoni\u2019s absence as a player, suggesting that CSK\u2019s strength lies beyond one individual. <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n CSK host fan engagement event at Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cCSK has got an incredible IPL record. Even with Dhoni not being there, they are not much of a lesser side. They are a very strong side. It\u2019s not going to be an easy game,\u201d Klaasen told the JioStar Press Room.\u2018Impact more in leadership than batting\u2019<\/span>While acknowledging Dhoni\u2019s stature, Klaasen emphasised that the veteran\u2019s absence is felt more in leadership than in his on-field contributions with the bat.\u201cDhoni not being there doesn\u2019t really make much of a difference. It is more about other guys. I don\u2019t think his absence will make such a big impact except for his leadership,\u201d he noted.The South African also pointed out that Dhoni\u2019s recent batting roles have been limited. \u201cHe has been coming to bat for just 5-10 balls in the last few years,\u201d Klaasen added, underlining why CSK remain competitive even without their iconic finisher.SRH confident despite slow start<\/span>Klaasen\u2019s comments come at a time when SRH are looking to bounce back after two defeats in their first three matches. Their only win so far has come against Kolkata Knight Riders, while losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants have exposed gaps.Despite the setbacks, Klaasen remains optimistic. \u201cIt\u2019s still early days in the tournament. We are confident we will fire in all departments going forward,\u201d he said.SRH are also dealing with the temporary absence of skipper Pat Cummins, with Ishan Kishan stepping in as captain.Targeting CSK\u2019s batting depth<\/span>Looking ahead to their clash against CSK, Klaasen stressed the need to apply pressure on a strong batting lineup.\u201cShivam (Dube) is in good form, their openers are fantastic \u2014 we just need to squeeze them a bit more,\u201d he said.Klaasen, known for his aggressive approach, also spoke about his comfort against spin. \u201cI\u2019ve played a lot against spinners. They are coming for me and I am going after them,\u201d he said.With both teams aiming to find consistency, Klaasen\u2019s candid take adds spice to what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.From the IPL Schedule<\/a>to the latestIPL 2026 points table<\/a>, don\u2019t miss a moment of the battle for the IPL Orange Cap Winner<\/a>and IPL Purple Cap<\/a><\/div>\n\n