Heinrich Klaasen, currently third in the IPL run-scoring charts, has decided against reversing his retirement from international cricket despite initial contemplation influenced by FOMO and family. Picture: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP
Image: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP
With Heinrich Klaasen proving he’s still one of the most powerful strikers in T20 cricket again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, it’s emerged that he would not consider coming out of retirement for the Proteas.
The 34-year-old is currently third on the run-scoring charts in the IPL, with 425 runs at an average of 53 and a strike-rate of 156. He has also scored three half-centuries as he is just 15 runs behind his table-topping Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate Abishek Sharma.
Klaasen announced his retirement from international cricket in June last year, after playing 60 ODIs, 58 T20Is and four Tests.
The timing of his retirement came as something of a shock, just a few months out from the T20 World Cup which was held in February and March this year.
Klaasen admitted over the weekend that he thought briefly about reversing his retirement decision - much like Quinton de Kock did in the last year.
“It was a thought for about two weeks. And then we decided against it. Obviously, my family plays a big role in it. I’ve missed my friends when they did extremely well in the World Cup,” said Klaasen.
“But I had a little bit more FOMO, and I wanted to come back. I spoke to Aiden (Markram), actually. He said if he’s capped, then I will definitely come back. But after the World Cup, I realised it’s not going to happen. So, I’m not coming back.”
Klaasen should next be in action on Wednesday when Sunrise’s take on Punjab Kings.