October 17, 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have made significant moves ahead of the 2025 IPL season by identifying Heinrich Klaasen as their primary retention, securing him for INR 23 crore (approximately US$2.74 million).
Klaasen, known for his explosive finishing, was pivotal for SRH in 2024, scoring 479 runs at a strike rate of 171.07. His retention reflects his impressive growth in T20 cricket, with a 338% salary increase from the 2023 auction.
SRH also retained Australian allrounder Pat Cummins, the team’s captain in 2024, for INR 18 crore (around US$2.14 million). Cummins’ leadership, combined with coach Daniel Vettori’s strategic guidance, helped SRH reach the playoffs after three disappointing seasons. His retention marks a 12.2% reduction from his 2024 mini-auction price, yet underscores the value SRH places on his experience and leadership.
Indian allrounder Abhishek Sharma has also been retained at INR 14 crore (approximately US$1.67 million), more than doubling his previous salary from 2022. Abhishek formed a devastating opening partnership with Travis Head, maintaining a strike rate of 204.21 and contributing 484 runs in 2024, while also earning an India T20I call-up.
SRH’s strategy of building a core around these players aligns with the IPL’s new retention rules, which allow franchises to retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped players. SRH’s capped retention pool is being managed wisely to fit within the INR 75 crore cap, as franchises prepare for the mega auction later this year.
Pat Cummins is expected to continue leading SRH into the 2025 season, while further retentions, including Travis Head and promising allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, are anticipated before the October 31 deadline.
