Heinrich Klaasen is the main South African focus as the Sunrisers Hyderabad take on the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Klaasen remains central to the Sunrisers’ middle order, providing finishing ability in a batting unit built around aggressive top-order players. His role becomes important if early momentum slows, particularly on a surface that can flatten out.

Ishan Kishan anchors the Sunrisers’ top order, while Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma provide early big-hitting options.

Kolkata rely on Rinku Singh, record-signing Cameron Green and superstar Varun Chakravarthy for balance.

Both teams enter the match after defeats in high-scoring openers, where batting strength was evident but bowling lacked control. That pattern is relevant at Eden Gardens, a venue known for producing large totals and favouring chasing sides under lights.

With Sunrisers reliant on their batting depth, Klaasen is expected to play a key role in shaping the innings through the middle and late overs.