Before the auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) decided to retain the wicket-keeper batter, Heinrich Klassen, for a price of INR 23 crore, which was INR 5 crore more than what they paid for the leader, Pat Cummins. But the reports have claimed that he could well be released into the pool ahead of the mini auction next month. 

The Sunrisers Hyderabad camp has remained silent over the former Protea batter, Heinrich Klassen, as multiple IPL franchises have picked up the serious chatter and have included the right-handed batter in their wish-list. The 34-year-old retired from international cricket. Even though he smashed 105 runs off 39 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)- the last game of the season for SRH- the brisk cameos didn’t convert into consistent big knocks.

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It could prove to be a baffling decision for the Hyderabad management to leave out Klassen, whom they actually think to get back for INR 15 crore to beef up the purse. It, however, won’t be surprising if Hyderabad goes madly after the batter or the price somehow crosses that INR 15 crore slab.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to release Heinrich Klassen ahead of IPL 2026

Klassen has smashed 1480 runs in 45 IPL innings at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 169.72 with seven fifties and two centuries. Last year, he drilled 487 runs at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 172.69.

“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.” The developments, as quoted by the Times of India, were revealed.

Klassen will remain the talking point before the retained list if finalized. The Hyderabad management is also anticipated to part ways with Mohamed Shami and Harshal Patel, two big buys for them, in the previous edition. Even Rahul Chahar is anticipated to find his name in the mini auction.