In modern sport, age is just a number and, in this era, many seasoned campaigners in cricket are reaching the peak of their careers despite being in their mid-30s. The game has evolved drastically, as there was a time when players at this age would start looking at life beyond their playing days. However, 34-year-old former South African batter Heinrich Klaasen is defying the odds on some of the biggest stages in the shortest format of the game. His latest performances in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, arguably the world’s biggest franchise league, have caught the attention of fans, former cricketers-turned-commentators, and analysts around the globe.
Klaasen, who was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a record-breaking ₹23 crore, has become a key middle-order batter for the Pat Cummins-led side and has consistently delivered 400-plus run campaigns since his debut season in 2023. However, in 2026, he has taken his performances a step further and is already closing in on his first 500+ runs campaign in the IPL. Looking at his current form and average, he could even finish the season with extraordinary numbers in the range of 600-700 runs.
His unbeaten 65, which came at a crucial stage during SRH’s 244-run chase against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, recently highlighted his growing stature in the SRH setup and his importance as the backbone behind their success this season. Following the win, former England player Kevin Pietersen, who was born in South Africa, urged Cricket South Africa to start calling Klaasen the very next morning, potentially convincing him to reconsider his retirement from international cricket. The suggestion came with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind, which South Africa will co-host alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, as the Proteas continue to eye a maiden World Cup title that could possibly come on home soil.
Following the win against PBKS, Klaasen clarified his stance on the possibility of returning from international retirement ahead of the 2027 World Cup co-hosted by his nation.
“No, I am not worried about that. I’ve made my peace with it. I’ve made the right decision and I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my career. I’ve been enjoying cricket without international commitments. It gives me a lot of family time and more time back home in South Africa. I would have loved to be in South Africa and finish at the World Cup in 2027, but unfortunately, life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to,” Klaasen said while speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live’.
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Klaasen leading Orange Cap race
After yet another heroic performance, this time against table-toppers Punjab Kings on May 6, Klaasen once again stepped up with a crucial 69 and anchored the innings to help SRH post a competitive total of 235 in Hyderabad. The SRH bowling unit complemented the batting efforts of their veteran perfectly as PBKS fell short by 33 runs, sending SRH to the top of the table after 11 matches.
It remains to be seen whether Klaasen will reconsider his retirement, but his remarks suggest that it could be the end of the road for him on the international stage. He is currently in contention for the Orange Cap in the IPL, sitting at the top of the charts with 494 runs at an extraordinary average of nearly 55. SRH will hope their star middle-order batter continues this form as they look to assert dominance in the IPL following a statement win against PBKS, while also keeping their eyes firmly set on the championship.