![Heinrich Klaasen in action against Mumbai Indians during IPL 2024 [Source: @IPL/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741950881263_heinrich_klaasen.jpg?type=tq)
Heinrich Klaasen in action against Mumbai Indians during IPL 2024 [Source: @IPL/x]
SRH’s resolute Heinrich Klaasen played a pivotal role in his franchise’s electrifying success during the IPL 2024 season. Under the leeway offered by Australia’s World Cup-winning skipper Pat Cummins, Klaasen showcased his brute force throughout the tournament, amassing nearly 500 runs for the ‘Orange Army’ in just 15 innings at a formidable strike rate exceeding 170.
Instrumental in propelling SRH into the finals, Klaasen is once again expected to be a linchpin in his team’s fortunes for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Here, we examine three potential matches where the lanky South African power-hitter could emerge as a game-changer for his side.
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (April 3, Eden Gardens)
| Innings | Runs | Average | Strike rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 181 | 45.2 | 163.1 |
(Table: Heinrich Klaasen Batting Numbers vs KKR in IPL)
Having lost the IPL 2024 final to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai last year, SRH middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen might have a point to prove when he takes on the same opponents at their home ground, Eden Gardens, on April 3. The cricketer will undoubtedly be eager to atone for his subdued batting performance in the final and script a fresh chapter as SRH embarks on its IPL 2025 campaign.
In the six matches he has played against KKR so far, Klaasen has already amassed 181 runs at an impressive average of 45.20 and a staggering strike rate of 163.1. Moreover, the explosive hitter bludgeoned a 29-ball 63 the last time he featured in an IPL match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
2. Rajasthan Royals (March 23, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium)
| Innings | Runs | Average | Strike rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 124 | 41.3 | 172.2 |
(Table: Heinrich Klaasen Batting Numbers vs RR in IPL)
Heinrich Klaasen will also be eager to make an immediate impact for SRH in the IPL 2025 season, and what better way to do so than in their opening match itself? Set to face the Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on March 23, the explosive batter will look to set the tone early and lay the foundation for a strong campaign with his trademark power-hitting.
The last time these two teams crossed paths in the IPL, doing so in the second qualifier match of IPL 2024 last year, Heinrich Klaasen took charge and muscled a 34-ball half-century at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
3. Chennai Super Kings (April 25, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium)
| Innings | Runs | Average | Strike rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 54 | 18 | 98.2 |
(Table: Heinrich Klaasen Batting Numbers vs CSK in IPL)
Heinrich Klaasen often backs himself to go berserk against spinners, regardless of the format or conditions. The CSK franchise, on the other hand, heavily relies on its spin arsenal, particularly in home games at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
While Klaasen is yet to produce a standout knock against CSK, the explosive South African batter will undoubtedly be eager to unleash his brute force against Ruturaj Gaikwad’s spin options in Chennai. The highly anticipated clash between SRH and CSK in the IPL 2025 season is set to take place on April 25.
 "Aakash Saini")
