Knight believes Klaasen, currently batting at No. 5 or 6, possesses the skill and temperament to make a far greater impact if entrusted with more responsibility earlier in the innings
Hienrich Klaasen (Pic: File Pic)
Former England cricketer Nick Knight suggested that Sunrisers Hyderabad should consider promoting Heinrich Klaasen higher up the batting order, following the South African's valiant effort against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.
Knight believes Klaasen, currently batting at No. 5 or 6, possesses the skill and temperament to make a far greater impact if entrusted with more responsibility earlier in the innings.
"Those of us who have seen him play over the years and those who are watching [know] that is what he is capable of and more. He just needs an opportunity to do it more often. I think he is batting far too low on that side. Six overs [or] a tick over, get him out there," he said, speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show.
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In a match where Hyderabad found themselves in deep trouble at 35/5 after 8.3 overs, it was Klaasen’s resilience and strokeplay that helped steer them to a competitive total. Walking in when SRH was reeling at 13/3, Klaasen delivered a composed yet aggressive innings, scoring a crucial 71 off 44 deliveries. His knock featured nine boundaries and two towering sixes, showcasing both grit and flair under pressure.
Klaasen was well-supported by Abhinav Manohar, who contributed a valuable 43 off 37 balls, including two fours and three sixes. The pair stitched together a vital 99-run partnership, salvaging the innings and helping SRH post 143/8 – a total that seemed improbable given their early collapse.
Knight’s call for Klaasen's promotion is backed by his stellar numbers this season. In eight IPL 2025 appearances, Klaasen has amassed 281 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160, outperforming Sunrisers’ celebrated opening duo, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, who have scored 240 and 242 runs respectively.
"It was game over [by then]," Knight added, emphasising the need for SRH to give Klaasen more time at the crease.
In the post-match press conference, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori heaped praise on Klaasen and Abhinav Manohar's partnership by saying that the duo took some responsibility to try to get a score.
"It is difficult to do [assess the par score and play accordingly] when you are 24 for 4 after the powerplay. But, Klaasen and Abhinav had a wonderful partnership and took some responsibility to try to get a score, but it wasn't enough," said the 46-year-old.
(With ANI Inputs)
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