Heinrich Klaasen scored 281 runs in eight games but experts questioned his batting position in SRH’s line-up.
Sunrisers Hyderabad retained South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen for ₹23 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. In return, the hard-hitting right-hander has emerged as the team’s most consistent batter this season. In eight matches so far, Klaasen has scored 281 runs and currently ranks 11th in the list of highest run-getters in IPL 2025.
ALSO READ | Virat Kohli Shares Heartfelt Support With Social Media Post After Pahalgam Attack
During SRH’s eighth league match on Wednesday (April 23) against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Klaasen walked in to bat at No. 5. He played a brilliant knock of 71 off 44 balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes. His first fifty of the season helped SRH recover from a top-order collapse at 35 for 5 in 8.3 overs to post 143 on the board. However, it wasn’t enough as MI chased down the target in 15.4 overs, led by Rohit Sharma’s second successive half-century.
Despite Klaasen’s form, SRH have mostly used him at the No. 5 position. Cricket experts believe the Proteas star should be promoted up the order. “Those of us who’ve seen him play over the years and those who are watching (know) that’s what he is capable of and more,” said former England cricketer Nick Knight on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “He just needs an opportunity to do it more often. I think he is batting far too low in that side. Six overs (or) a tick over, get him out there.”
ALSO READ | WATCH | KL Rahul Brushes Off Sanjiv Goenka After Beating LSG in IPL 2025
Knight’s opinion was supported by former India pacer Varun Aaron, who praised Klaasen’s technique. “Just how still he is (at the crease); he just doesn’t give the bowler anything before the bowler can bowl,” Aaron said. “Just still, hands through the ball, and it almost looks like he isn’t trying to overhit anything.”
Interestingly, Klaasen has batted at No. 3 only once in this IPL season. In that game, he remained unbeaten on 21 off 14 balls, showing once again that he can deliver if given more overs to play.
