KKR vs SRH IPL 2026: Heinrich Klaasen does have a brilliant record against KKR spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in the shortest format. This SRH wicket-keeper batter is expected to play a huge role against the Kolkata-based franchise during the upcoming clash on Thursday. Both teams had lost their tournament openers and will try to score the two points in Kolkata.
The Ajinkya Rahane-led side lost to the Mumbai Indians during their first match by six wickets. At the same time, SRH lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets in their tournament opener.
Except for the duo of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and captain Ishan Kishan batting at the No.3 position, Klaasen is expected to play a huge role as a middle-order batter. Sunil Narine hasn't been able to take a wicket after playing in eight T20 matches and has scored 85 runs off 52 balls at a staggering strike rate of 163.46. Varun took his wicket three times in nine T20 matches; he has also scored 112 runs off 53 balls at a brilliant strike rate of 211.32 against the star India spinner.
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In the ongoing season, KKR are missing the services of their key players owing to injuries and unavailability. This was quite evident during their loss to MI, as they chased down the mammoth target of 221 runs with great efficiency. The fast bowlers were seen struggling, and Cameron Green didn't bowl either.
At the same time, Narine and Chakravarthy also had forgetful outings. But this duo has a brilliant record at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In the shortest format, none of the other bowlers has taken more wickets on this ground than Narine, as Varun is lying in fourth position on this list.
SRH head coach Daniel Vettori said at the pre-match press conference, "There’s immense respect for KKR’s spinners and all they have done for the franchise and their countries. We won’t take them lightly, even if they had an off day in the last game."