IPL 2026: Mark Boucher calls Heinrich Klaasen innings a 'masterclass' in SRH playoff win
New Delhi, May 19
Former South Africa wicketkeeper batter Mark Boucher described Heinrich Klaasen's attacking innings against Chennai Super Kings as a "masterclass" after the Proteas batter helped Sunrisers Hyderabad seal qualification for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Klaasen smashed 47 off 26 balls on a difficult Chepauk surface and shifted the momentum decisively during a crucial 75-run partnership with Ishan Kishan as SRH chased down 181 with an over to spare.
"I think he should open an academy and teach the rest of us, because that was a masterclass," Boucher said on Star Sports' 'Amul Cricket Live'.
"On a wicket that was stopping and turning, he came in with a clear plan. He used his footwork brilliantly, which allowed him to access both sides of the wicket."
"He also looked to play squarer, which was the right option, as seen with the reverse sweeps he executed."
Boucher particularly praised Klaasen's ability to wrest back momentum when the chase threatened to stall.
"What I really admired was the intent he showed. At that stage, the game seemed to be drifting a little, and he immediately injected momentum into the innings," he said.
"He gave the entire Sunrisers team a lift and forced Ruturaj to rethink his tactics. Once the spinners were taken off and the seamers came on, it also opened up scoring opportunities for Ishan Kishan."
"It was a masterclass in how to put the pressure back on the bowling side."
In support of Klaasen's 70 off 47, it was an innings of balance which complemented a situation following the wickets of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
It was the earlier effort of Dewald Brevis's 44 and useful contributions from Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma which took CSK's total to 180/7, Cummins' figures of 3/28 lead the SRH bowling attack while Sakib Husain and Praful Hinge's two wickets a piece for the rookie pacers rounded it off. SRH were the third team to book a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Klaasen is a gem for SRH. But honestly, Ishan Kishan's supporting role often gets overlooked. That 70 of his was the perfect foil — stable and calculated. Also, Sakib Husain and Praful Hinge are proving that Indian domestic talent is shining bright. Future is bright for Hyderabad! 👏
Boucher is a legend himself, so coming from him, that praise means a lot. Klaasen's footwork on a turning track was exactly what you need in T20s. CSK missed Jadeja's bowling big time — that could've changed the game. Still, thrilling match! 👍
Great knock, no doubt. But let's not go overboard calling every good innings a 'masterclass'. Klaasen was dropped on 19 and had a few edges. He did well to capitalise, but Chepauk has seen better knocks from MSD and Raina over the years. Just saying... 😅
As an SRH fan since 2016, this feels like the best team balance we've had in years! Cummins' captaincy is shrewd, and youngsters like Hinge and Sakib are stepping up. Klaasen is our X-factor — but can he do this in the high-pressure playoffs final? That's the real test. 🤞
Boucher praising a South African — what a moment for cricket fans! Klaasen's reverse sweep against spinners was the turning point. But CSK's scouting needs a rethink — Brevis is inconsistent, and they rely too much on old guard. Time to blood new players like Kart
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