Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 struggles: Heinrich Klaasen on MS Dhoni’s absence and team form

Hyderabad

A faltering bowling unit, inconsistency with the bat and underwhelming returns from high-value players have condemned Chennai Super Kings to a dismal start in IPL 2026 featuring three consecutive defeats. Significant squad changes – some mandated by injuries, some by form – have disrupted team balance with the side struggling to come up with a winning combination.

That said, one element that cannot cop blame for CSK’s struggles is the absence of M.S. Dhoni, at least according to Heinrich Klaasen. The Sunrisers Hyderabad star believes the five-time champion possesses enough firepower to compensate for the absence of its talismanic former skipper.

“They’ve obviously got an incredible IPL record and have always been a strong side. Not having Dhoni doesn’t make them less of a good team. The players they have currently are unbelievable as well,” Klaasen said in a media interaction facilitated by Star Sports.

“They’re going to get (Dewald) Brevis back, which will strengthen their middle order. The two openers haven’t really scored anything yet, so they’re due for runs.”

The 34-year-old added that Dhoni’s influence extends well beyond his on-field presence.

“Dhoni not being there doesn’t really make a difference, because he’s still in the dugout sharing his experience with the guys. Normally, over the last few seasons, he probably bats the last 10 balls only anyway. So it’s the other guys in the team that you have to worry about more.”

That said, Klaasen acknowledged one area where Dhoni’s absence is noticeable.

“The crowd will be a little bit quieter. Normally, when he walks onto the ground, you can’t hear anything around you. Hopefully their form continues to struggle a little bit against us so we can really put them under pressure.”

Klaasen is particularly happy about not having to worry about one man at Chepauk.

“Chennai is probably not the easiest place to play cricket, especially if you have someone like (Ravindra) Jadeja (now back at Rajasthan Royals) who can bowl at 100 kilometers an hour and the ball spins and just holds a little bit. Luckily, he’s not there this season.”