Kavya Maran’s Big Bet on Heinrich Klaasen Backfires as Sunrisers Hyderabad Faces Disastrous IPL Season
Kavya Maran
The 2025 IPL season has not been kind to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With a disappointing performance that saw them eliminated from playoff contention before they even finished their league matches, the hopes of fans and the team have been dashed. One of the key players, who was expected to shine under the ownership of Kavya Maran, has left the team in a lurch.
Remaining Matches for Hyderabad’s Struggling Team
Under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, SRH has managed to play 12 matches so far, winning only four of them. This leaves the team with a total of 9 points, with one point awarded for a match that had to be abandoned due to rain. While they have two matches left in the season, the outcomes will not affect their standings significantly, as they have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
A Surprising Retention: Heinrich Klaassen’s Price Tag
As the IPL auction approached, a significant decision was made by SRH—retaining wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaassen for a staggering ₹23 crore. This retainment raised eyebrows across the cricketing community, especially when considering that their captain Pat Cummins was secured for ₹18 crore. Despite the steep price, Kavya Maran had complete faith in Klaassen, expecting him to deliver when it mattered most. Unfortunately, that has not been the case this season.
A Look at Klaassen’s Performance: A Stark Contrast
The contrast in Klaassen’s performance from the previous season to this one is marked. In the 2024 IPL season, he stood out as a key player, scoring 479 runs in 15 innings with an average of 39.91 and a strike rate of 171.07. He consistently contributed with four half-centuries, showcasing his ability to score runs under pressure. However, in the current season, Klaassen has played 12 matches and managed to score only 358 runs in 11 innings, with an average of 35.80 and a much lower strike rate of around 155. His single half-century this season is a stark reminder of his underwhelming contribution to the team.
The Disparity of Salary and Performance
Klaassen’s journey in the IPL has seen him rise to great financial heights, with his salary jumping from ₹5.25 crore in the 2024 season to an eye-popping ₹23 crore this year. However, his current performance significantly lags behind his career averages, which stand at 37.52 for batting average and a strike rate of 164.75. While his financial value has soared, his on-field contributions have seen a devastating decline.
As the remaining two matches approach, fans and analysts will be keenly watching Klaassen’s performance to see if he can salvage some pride and perhaps justify the investment made by the management. Regardless of the harsh realities of this season, the loyal supporters of SRH are hoping for a turnaround, not just for Klaassen but for the entire team as they prepare for their final outings.
