The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have made headlines by retaining wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen for a record Rs 23 crore ahead of IPL 2025, exceeding the highest retention slab of Rs 18 crore. However, the franchise now faces concerns as Klaasen is sidelined due to a left elbow soft tissue injury.
Klaasen was expected to play in South Africa’s opening match against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy but was ruled out as a precautionary measure. The South African captain, Temba Bavuma, confirmed that Klaasen’s absence was due to the injury sustained during a recent tri-series match against Pakistan. Soft tissue injuries can vary in severity, and while they may start as minor issues, they can worsen if not managed properly.
Klaasen’s injury is particularly concerning for SRH, as he has been a key player for South Africa in recent months, boasting impressive ODI statistics. In the SA20 2025, he struggled with consistency, averaging just 28.29 runs across eight innings. With major matches ahead for South Africa against Australia and England in the tournament, SRH will be hoping for a quick recovery to ensure Klaasen can contribute effectively in both international and IPL formats.