Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 4: In a major pre-auction development, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are reportedly considering releasing South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen — retained last season for a whopping Rs 23 crore — ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction.

Despite being one of the highest-paid players in the squad, Klaasen, who recently retired from international cricket, struggled for consistency in IPL 2025. Although his sensational 105 off 39 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders had raised hopes, his overall performance failed to justify the high price tag.

Sources close to the franchise indicate that SRH’s management is evaluating options to rebuild their squad after finishing sixth in IPL 2025. “There are strong murmurs that SRH may release Klaasen to boost their auction purse. Releasing him could add Rs 23 crore, allowing them to fix their middle order and strengthen their bowling attack. They might even target him again in the auction for around Rs 15 crore,” said a senior industry insider.

The Hyderabad outfit, which also invested heavily in Mohammed Shami (Rs 10 crore) and Harshal Patel (Rs 8 crore), was plagued by underwhelming performances last season. Shami struggled with fitness, while Harshal, despite taking 16 wickets in 13 games, was expensive with an economy rate near 10.

Adding to SRH’s woes, their spin department failed to deliver as expected. Rahul Chahar’s poor show saw him sidelined after just one match, forcing the franchise to rely on Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh Dubey. The management is now keen to rope in a proven spinner ahead of the next season.

With multiple franchises closely tracking Klaasen’s situation, the South African’s name is expected to dominate pre-auction discussions. If released, he could spark a fierce bidding war, with teams eager to secure one of T20 cricket’s most explosive finishers.