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Heinrich Klaasen shifts focus from strike rate to match-winning partnerships in IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Heinrich Klaasen said he has given up chasing an unrealistic strike rate and taking extra risks in IPL 2026, where his focus is instead now on playing as per situations and stitching partnerships to keep the side in a strong position. Klaasens measured approach has been central to SRHs surge to the top of the IPL 2026 table after their 33run win over Punjab Kings, where he made 69 off 43 deliveries. Klaasen himself is now at the top of the IPL 2026 run-scoring charts with 494 runs in 11 games at an average of 54.89 and strike-rate of 157.32. I gave up on the idea that I have to do everything and score at a 300 strike-rate every time I go out to bat. Im playing the situation in front of me and trying to bat as well as possible within the partnership, Im in. At the moment I'm very fortunate that a player like Nitish is hitting the ball so cleanly that it takes a lot of pressure off me. I dont have to take extra risks, and Im just making sure I put the team in a decent position for the bowlers to have enough to defend. The runs dont mean anything if we dont win games of cricket. The team is playing wonderful cricket at the moment. Were peaking at the right time. Hopefully, we can secure a good playoff spot, and we dont take these wins for granted, said Klaasen on JioHotstar. The former South African batter also ruled out any chance of returning from international cricket retirement. No, I am not worried about that. Ive made my peace with it. Ive made the right decision and Im looking forward to a new chapter in my career. Ive been enjoying cricket without international commitments. The runs dont mean anything if we dont win games of cricket. The team is playing wonderful cricket at the moment. Were peaking at the right time. Hopefully, we can secure a good playoff spot, and we dont take these wins for granted, said Klaasen on JioHotstar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pat Cummins-led SRH will now head to Ahmedabad for an important clash against Gujarat Titans, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 12. Article Source: IANS