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SRH To Release Heinrich Klaasen Ahead Of IPL 2026 Auction?
Follow UsSeveral IPL franchises are already keeping a close eye on the situation
There’s a possibility that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could release Heinrich Klaasen, who was retained for a massive INR 23 crore, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, according to a Times of India report on November 4 (Tuesday). Several IPL franchises are already keeping a close eye on the situation and are said to be interested in acquiring the South African wicketkeeper-batter if he re-enters the auction pool.
Klaasen, who retired from international cricket in June 2025, was the highest-paid SRH player, earning more than captain Pat Cummins (INR 18 crore). 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, but 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 TOI.
However, Klaasen’s form outside the IPL has dipped. During The Hundred 2025 with Manchester Originals, he managed only 151 runs in eight innings at an average of 25.16 and a strike rate of just over 110. Since then, he hasn’t played any competitive cricket.
Meanwhile, other expensive SRH signings like Mohammed Shami (INR 10 crore) and Harshal Patel (INR 8 crore) also endured disappointing seasons. 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.
“There has been an interest in Shami after his recent exploits in the domestic circuit but the franchises are likely to operate with caution. SRH, too, could follow a similar approach. The Hyderabad-based franchise are desperate to add a quality spinner as they weren't pleased with Rahul Chahar,” Sahil Malhotra wrote for TOI.
Spin was indeed one of SRH’s biggest weak points in 2025. Apart from Chahar, the franchise also had Adam Zampa, Zeeshan Ansari, and Harsh Dubey, but none made a meaningful impact.
The Men in Orange finished the season sixth on the points table with six wins from 14 matches - a major drop from their runner-up finish in IPL 2024.