'He needs to be given a special award' - Irfan Pathan's huge praise for Heinrich Klaasen after SRH vs PBKS clash

Heinrich Klaasen has been in sublime form for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. On Wednesday, May 6, the wicketkeeper-batter continued on his purple patch, smashing 69 off 43 balls against the Punjab Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. He belted three fours and four sixes, helping his team set up a massive first-innings total of 235/4. In reply, the Kings were restricted to 202/7.

With his stellar half-century on Wednesday, Klaasen climbed to the top of the list of leading run-getters in IPL 2026. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that getting the Orange Cap while batting at No. 4, especially in the middle of the season, is a special achievement that needs to be honoured. Pathan went on to mention the tremendous consistency with which the 34-year-old has played and scored runs despite not getting too many balls to face.

"If someone gets the Orange Cap while batting at No. 4 even once, especially halfway through the season, he needs to be given a special award. This doesn't happen often. He doesn't get a lot of balls, but despite that, he scores consistently. This guy is scoring runs in every match," Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel.

SRH captain Pat Cummins always leads from the front: Irfan Pathan

Pathan also heaped praise on Sunrisers' skipper Pat Cummins, highlighting his efforts with the ball and in the field against the Punjab Kings. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Cummins is someone who leads from the front, and that is why he is respected at the franchise and also back in Australia.

"SRH captain Pat Cummins always leads from the front. He dismissed Priyansh Arya with the new ball here, and then in the next over, he was at mid-off, thinking about the field placements. The ball was in the air, and he ran to his left and did not drop the catch. He showed full commitment. He later got Suryansh Shedge out to break the partnership," Pathan said.

"He raises his hand in difficult situations. That's why his team respects him so much. That's why he is respected in Australia. He doesn't hide, but stands with his chest up in difficult situations," he added.