Former New Zealand cricketer and now a commentator Simon Doull has drawn a comparison, stating that Heinrich Klaasen is as good as Virat Kohli when it comes to ODI batting. Klaasen has been in great form in the last couple of years, and he has become an integral part of South Africa’s middle order. His recent performances, such as a 64-run innings at ease against England, have only added to his image as a destructive batter. With the ability to dominate both pace and spin with comfort, Klaasen has turned out to be one of the most versatile overseas batters in the 50-over format.
Simon Doull Draws Comparison Between Virat Kohli & Heinrich Klaasen
“It’s hard to separate him and Virat Kohli at the moment. Some people have Klaasen at 1, some people have Kohli at 1, it doesn’t really matter. They can be first equal for mine, because he is just an absolute gem, whether it be spin, I don’t think anybody hits the spinners off the backfoot better. He waits for that sort of slow pace and he can hit downtown better than anyone in the world,” Doull told Sky Sports.
Conversely, Virat Kohli has ruled ODI cricket for more than a decade and also holds the record for most centuries in the format (currently 51). His phenomenal consistency was once again evident in the group-stage encounter against Pakistan, in which he scored a stunning hundred. Though Kohli’s ODI legacy is beyond doubt, Doull feels that Klaasen’s current form places him in the same league as the Indian icon.
New Zealand Vs South Africa: A Tough Semifinal
Doull, being one of the members of the commentary panel of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, also had his take on the imminent South African vs. New Zealand semi-final. He opined that Proteas boast a better bowling unit, while the lack of penetration from New Zealand during death overs can be their biggest threat. He also pointed to South Africa’s increasing consistency in formats, as they made the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, and now have Australia in front of them for the World Test Championship final. With both nations looking to qualify for the final of the Champions Trophy, Klaasen’s performance will be the determinant of South Africa’s run.
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“So they (South Africa) are a cracking looking side, they bat deep. New Zealand bat deep, and it’ll come down; who bowls better? And South Africa just seemed like they’ve got the wood as a genuine bowling attack. The issue with New Zealand, the one and only issue has been their death bowling. It was quite good against India, but on a flat surface, on a really good batting surface, will it be the same?” he added.
