IPL 2024, GT vs SRH Strategic Corner - How Will GT Counter Heinrich Klaasen?

Heinrich Klaasen is in phenomenal form [AP]Heinrich Klaasen is in phenomenal form [AP]

On Sunday, Gujarat Titans will cross swords against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the twelfth group-stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. 

While the Sunrisers are high on confidence following their convincing win over Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans would like to get back on the winning track after suffering a heavy 63-run drubbing at the hands of the defending IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings. 

Talking about the Sunrisers, Heinrich Klaasen's sublime form has significantly benefitted the Pat Cummins-led outfit. 

While his teammates have blown hot and cold, Klaasen has been SRH's Mr consistent for the side, amassing 143 runs at an unbelievable strike rate of 226.98. So, as the Titans brace themselves for an epic battle, Klaasen emerges as their biggest threat. 


Why Heinrich Klaasen is a threat to GT?

  • Heinrich Klaasen's rise as a white-ball batter has been exponential, to say the least. In his previous 13 IPL innings, the keeper-batter has struck 591 runs at an outstanding average of 59.1 and a blistering strike rate of 187.02. 
  • Hailed for his incredible power-hitting against pace and spin, Klaasen could certainly be a massive headache for the Titans, particularly in the final two phases of the game. Statistically, Klaasen averages 47.07 and strikes at 190.52 between 7-20 overs. 
  • Therefore, the swashbuckling South African batter will be SRH's go-to accelerator in the final two phases of the game. 


How to handle Klaasen?

As Klaasen is set to play a crucial role for SRH, let's see how the Titans can get rid of him in this match. 

Plan A - Play with Klaasen's ego

The hard-hitting batter is known for his ability to smash hard-length deliveries easily, which most modern-day batters find tough to execute. 

However, it's like a double-edged sword for Klaasen, who has also been dismissed a few times while going for the hook shot, including in South Africa's famous World Cup clash against the Netherlands. 

So, the pacers, especially those who operate at a searing pace, like Spencer Johnson, can play with Klaasen's ego and invite him to play aerial hook shots. If they manage to induce a miscued hit, they might get the danger man early in the innings. 


Plan B - Spinners, be accurate!

Klaasen's spin-hitting prowess is incredible, to say the least. He has been a nightmare for modern-day spinners as he effortlessly sends them into the stands. However, he generally doesn't use his feet and prefers to play them by staying at the crease. 

So, the spinners, particularly the slow left-armers, might try to push him back and then hit the ideal channel, i.e. the fuller side of the good length. 

By doing this, they can deceive him on length, induce a miscued shot, or breach his defence. They can't bowl too full or short, as those balls will be delivered into the stands.