IPL teams that can target Heinrich Klaasen if SRH release him before IPL 2026 auction – OneCricket

OneCricket
Heinrich Klaasen for SRH (Source: AFP)
Heinrich Klaasen is one of the fearsome hitters of the cricket ball and was the most expensive retention of SRH for IPL 2025. He was bought for 23 crore and did decently as well; however, things have changed a bit in the last few months.
The wicketkeeper batter has retired from international cricket and produced poor returns in MLC and The Hundred. Therefore, some doubts are creeping in about his effectiveness, and now there are reports that SRH might release him. They might buy him back at a lower price, but it opens up an opportunity for other teams to grab a player of the quality of Klaasen, and he could be in high demand in the auction.
Thus, here are the three IPL teams that can buy Heinrich Klaasen in the upcoming auction.
Rajasthan Royals had a poor IPL 2025, and one of the biggest problems for them was the absence of a quality finisher. Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel failed to finish quite a few chases, and RR need some firepower lower down the order.
Thus, Heinrich Klaasen can be a perfect fit to bat at number five or six in their line-up. He has the ability to shift the gears swiftly and can change the complexion of the game with his power-hitting. RR are also set to release Shimron Hetmyer, who was retained for 12 crore, and so it will free up a lot of money. There could be other high-profile releases, too, which would allow RR to go after Heinrich Klaasen aggressively without worrying about his high cost.
Kolkata Knight Riders had a disappointing IPL 2025 after the title win in 2024, and they are likely to make wholesale changes in their squad. They have changed the head coach and are likely to release many of their players, including Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for 23.75 Crore.
Thus, they would also have a lot of money in the kitty for the auction, which would help them grab some big players in the auction. Thus, if Heinrich Klaasen is available, they are likely to go after him with full zeal. He would strengthen their middle order and provide the firepower with the bat which they missed in the last season. Also, Andre Russell is at the backend of his career, and thus Klaasen can be a good replacement as a reliable finisher.
Also, Klaasen would fit into the wicketkeeper’s role in the KKR line-up as they are likely to release Quinton de Kock and Gurbaz after a poor season.
The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings finished last in the 2025 season and are all set to rethink their strategy. Ashwin has retired, freeing up 10 crore already, while many other non-performing senior players are likely to be released.
Thus, they would come up with a huge kitty in the auction and would like to fill the gap of a middle and lower order hitter in their batting line-up. In the last season, they struggled to bat aggressively, especially at the death, and having Klaasen would provide them with the much-needed firepower. 
Also, Heinrich Klaasen is a brilliant player of spin, which makes him a great option for CSK’s home matches, and so a South African would be a perfect fit for the Yellove Army.

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