SRH Could Release Heinrich Klaasen, Making Him a Hot Property for Other Franchises Seeking a Strong Middle-order Striker

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Heinrich Klaasen’s SRH future looks uncertain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction, according to reports. The explosive Proteas batter was retained for a massive INR 23 crore in the last season.

Several IPL franchises are already showing interest in acquiring the wicketkeeper-batter if he re-enters the auction pool.

Klaasen SRH Release

Klaasen, who retired from international cricket in June 2025, was the highest-paid SRH player, earning more than captain Pat Cummins (Rs. 18 crore). 

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He also had a pretty decent IPL 2025, where he scored 487 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.27 and an explosive strike rate of 172.69. However, SRH failed to reach the playoffs.

"There are strong murmurs, and it could well be a smart move by SRH if they do that. Going into the auction with Rs 23 crore more allows them a reasonable shot to fill in the crucial gaps - assemble a penetrating bowling attack and get their middle-order act right. They can even have a fair shot at getting the South African back (for) around Rs 15 crore, and the balance can help them do some effective shopping," an industry source tracking developments told news agencies.

Mohammed Shami’s Future in SRH

Other expensive SRH signings like Mohammed Shami (Rs. 10 crore) and Harshal Patel (INR 8 crore) had disappointing outings in IPL 2025. While Harshal picked up 16 wickets at an economy of 9.8, Shami managed only six wickets at an average of 56.16 and an economy rate of over 11.

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SRH is planning to improve its spin attack after a setback in the last season. The Men in Orange finished the season sixth on the points table with six wins from 14 matches. Meanwhile, they were the runner-up in IPL 2024.

Klassen’s Recent Form

The South African has long been considered among the best T20 batters in the world. He played in multiple positions across the batting order with a renowned ability to change the game. 

However, the batter had a slump in form in Major League Cricket and The Hundred, scoring 293 runs across both tournaments at a miserable average of 19.53. Since then, he hasn’t played any competitive cricket.

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So, the dip in his batting form could be one of the reasons why SRH could be tempted to part ways with Heinrich Klaasen.

Klaasen’s Retirement

Klaasen played his last game for South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to New Zealand in Lahore in March. In his seven-year international career, he played four Tests, 60 ODIs, and 58 T20Is. 

"It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket," Klassen said in a statement. "It took me a long time to decide what's best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision, but also one that I have absolute peace with.

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"To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so."

IPL 2026 Mini Auction Update

After hosting the last two auctions overseas, first in Dubai (2023) and then in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024), this year’s mini-auction is expected to make a return to Indian soil. The IPL 2026 mini-auction is likely to be held between December 13 and 15. 

All the franchises are asked to submit a player retention list by November 15. Discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and franchise representatives have reportedly narrowed down to these dates, although a formal confirmation from the IPL Governing Council is still awaited.

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