Heinrich Klaasen has reportedly received a massive INR 23 crore deal from the Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. ESPNCricinfo has reported that SRH have locked in Klaasen as their number one retention. While BCCI has suggested a minimum 18 crore price for the first retention, SRH have gone all out and shelled out INR 23 crore for Klaasen.
There is no doubt that Klaasen is one of the biggest hitters in the world right now. He has the ability to destroy any bowling attack in the world. However, here’s a look at the three reasons why Klaasen getting a 23 crore deal from the Sunrisers Hyderabad is the wrong move.
1. Heinrich Klaasen can be available for a cheaper price at the IPL 2025 Auction
What are the chances of Klassen becoming the highest paid player (Indian or overseas) for IPL-2025?? If 23 Cr. (As quoted by Cricinfo and Cricbuzz) Is indeed his retention price…he could very well be. Massive Development this. #AakashVani
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 16, 2024
The simplest reason why retaining Klaasen for INR 23 crore does not make sense is that if the South African wicketkeeper batter goes under the hammer, he can be easily bought for a cheaper price. Since this is a mega auction, hardly any team would spend around INR 20 crore for a single player. Thus, SRH could snapped him up from the auction itself.
2. An injury to Klaasen can derail SRH’s plans
Every team has a total auction purse of 120 crore. If SRH give 23 crore to Klaasen alone, the wicketkeeper batter will 100% play in all the matches for the team. In that case, he will be a locked-in pick for the playing XI as a glovesman and a top-order batter. If Klaasen ever gets injured, SRH will be in deep trouble.
3. Klaasen has not shown good mindset in tournament finals
Be it SA20, IPL, T20 World Cup or even Major League Cricket, Klaasen’s team has made it to the finals. However, his team has lost on all occasions. Something tells that Klaasen is a monster hitter, but his mindset is not the same when he plays in the finals. Spending 23 crore on a player like him may not be a wise move.
