Heinrich Klaasen Bids Adieu To International Cricket; Players Who Can Replace Him In SA Squad

Heinrich Klaasen and Brevis (Source:@ICC/X.com)

Heinrich Klaasen has been one of the pillars of South African batting line-up in the last few years. He is arguably one of the finest hitters against spin-bowling, but all his skills will now be seen only in franchise cricket as the batter has retired from international cricket.

It is a big blow for South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026, and ODI World Cup in their home conditions in 2027. Thus, South Africa will now have to find other options in that crucial middle-order position. Here are some of the players who can replace Heinrich Klaasen in South Africa's white-ball teams.

1. Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs is one of the rising stars in South African cricket, and has been a regular part of the squad across formats. However, due to the presence of quality batting options, Stubbs was finding it hard to break into the playing XI of the ODI side. Now, with Klaasen retired, Tristan Stubbs might get a regular place in the ODI XI, and is likely to take that important number 5 position.

Tristan Stubbs In List A Cricket

Stubbs played only one game in Champions Trophy 2025, and overall has managed to get just nine matches in the format. He has a century and fifty to his name and finally would get some time to settle in the 50-over format. 

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2. Dewald Brevis

The Baby AB, as Dewald Brevis is fondly known has been in great form in recent times. He did well in SA20 2025 with an average of 48.50 and strike-rate of 184.17. The right-handed batter then continued his great form for CSK in IPL and provided the impetus in the middle order. He is also showing signs of maturity after inconsistent performances earlier in his career, and the South African team management might bring him back into the fold now.

Dewald Brevis In T20s

He has played just two T20Is for South Africa so far, and could now get a regular run in the format after retirement of Heinrich Klaasen. He brings similar skillset to the table with his power-hitting and finishing prowess, and there is chance that Brevis might soon get his maiden ODI call-up. He has an average of over 48 in the List A cricket and could serve South African cricket for a long time.

3. Donovan Ferreira

Donovan Ferreira has made his name as a finisher in the South African domestic circuit. He has been around the South African T20I team in the last couple of years, but has not got regular chances. However, with Heinrich Klaasen retired, there is space for a powerful hitter in the lower middle order, and Ferreira could get his chance in white-ball cricket regularly.

His strike-rate in T20 cricket is 157.99 while it is pretty good in List A cricket as well. He has been fairly consistent too, and thus, he is one of the candidates to replace Heinrich Klaasen in the white-ball setup.

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