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South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen feels Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are missing MS Dhoni’s presence as captain but not what he contributes as a wicketkeeper-batter lower down the order facing a handful of deliveries. Dhoni is reportedly set to go under fitness test ahead of their clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) after missing first three games due to calf strain. While there are 10 more days to go into SRH’s fixture against CSK, Klaasen doesn’t feel it is an easy game.
"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,” Klaasen told PTI.
"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.”
CSK’s batting has struggled due to openers’ – Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad — low scores and in Dewald Brevis’ absence. Klaasen pointed that Shivam Dube is in good form and the opening pair is still fantastic.
“CSK has a good batting line-up and one needs to put in a few more dot balls,” Klaasen said.
"Shivam (Dube) is in good form, their two openers (Sanju Samsom and Ruturaj Gaikwad) are also fantastic, we just need to squeeze them a bit more.”
Dhoni’s run as a late-carnage batter
In the previous edition, the 44-year-old scored 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and strike rate of 135.17. However, he excelled at the role in 2024, scoring 161 runs from 11 innings at an average of 53.66 and a stupendous strike rate of 220.54.
CSK vs SRH head-to-head record
The clash between the two sides will take place on April 18 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. However, CSK have had the upper hand over SRH, winning 15 out of 22 games.
Their last clash witnessed SRH win by five wickets with eight balls to spare. Dhoni managed to score just six runs from 10 balls.
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