Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Heinrich Klaasen has candidly assessed what is going wrong with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, pointing to lapses in batting execution and poor fielding as the key reasons behind their inconsistent start.Despite recording just one win in three matches, Klaasen believes it is “too soon” and is confident the 2016 champions will bounce back. “Our batting has been good so far, but we have conceded about 40 runs in three games. We need to bat better. The two games we have struggled, we have not done with the bat,” he said.
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Devdutt Padikkal press conference: Chinnaswamy’s pitch, Tim David’s strength and RCB’s batting strategy Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!SRH’s defeats against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants exposed their shortcomings in the crunch stages, which Klaasen openly admitted.“Our fielding was poor and that’s what’s affecting us. I’ll give us 6 out of 10 so far. We’ve played some great cricket in phases but lost at crucial moments,” he admitted.While the bowlers – especially the pacers – largely stuck to their plans, Klaasen stressed the need for collective improvement. “The bowlers are hanging on, the rest of the batting is doing well. I’m giving it 80 per cent but our fielding has got to improve. We’ve got to catch up.”He also emphasized the importance of larger sums. “We need to get to the 220-230 mark to give our pitchers a chance to defend.Klaasen is finding form amid team strugglesOn a personal note, Klaasen was one of SRH’s bright spots as he scored back-to-back fifties. “Unfortunately we lost two games but it was a good start for me. I would like to continue this form,” he said.Batting at No.4, the South African is relishing his role of adapting to different match situations. “It’s a role I’ve played throughout my career. My job is to carry on even if Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma or Travis Head go. Every match brings a different situation.”In the upcoming clash against Punjab Kings, SRH will look to rectify their shortcomings and convert promising phases into complete performances.
