Heinrich Klaasen scored 414 runs in 9 innings (Photo: PTI)
After seeing the performance of Heinrich Klaasen in IPL 2026, now rumors of his return to international cricket have started. Heinrich Klaasen retired from all three formats of cricket in June last year at the age of just 33. But, looking at the way he has batted and scored runs so far in IPL 2026, the world’s leading cricketers are not only praising him. In fact, one of them has even advised the South African Cricket Board to talk to Heinrich Klaasen about coming out of retirement.
Advice to Klaasen to come back from retirement
Former England cricketer and captain Kevin Pietersen has advised the South African Cricket Board to talk to Heinrich Klaasen on the issue of his return from retirement. The reason behind his opinion is the World Cup to be held in South Africa next year.
SA Cricket should ask Clausen- Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen wrote on his axe-handle – South Africa has never won the Cricket World Cup. In such a situation, the South African Cricket Board should call Heinrich Klaasen and ask about his return to international cricket. He can help South Africa win its first World Cup next year.
South Africa have never won a cricket world cup! There should be a phone call this morning, from the South African cricket board, to Heinrich Klaasen, to ask him if he can rejoin international cricket and be a central figure in their campaign to try and win their first ever
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 30, 2026
Strong game in IPL 2026, Classen in the race for Orange Cap
In IPL 2026, Heinrich Klaasen has scored 414 runs in the 9 innings played so far at a strike rate of 59.14 and 157.41. During this period he has scored 4 fifty plus scores. Not only this, Heinrich Klaasen is also a strong contender to win the Orange Cap. At present, it is in second place. But, the big thing is that he is the only middle order batsman included in the top-5 run-winners of IPL 2026. Apart from him, the remaining 4 batsmen are openers of their respective teams.
Clason-De Villiers dominate among the openers of IPL 2026
Former South African batsman AB de Villiers praised the same strength of Heinrich Klaasen seen in IPL 2026 on his ax handle. He wrote- In IPL 2026, Clason seems to be giving competition to the opening batsmen, be it in terms of runs or strike rate. He is playing his innings according to the situation of the match. Making a partnership. It is amazing to include yourself in the top 5 run-winners of IPL 2026 without taking advantage of the field restrictions. It would not be wrong to say that he is in amazing form.
Klaassen competing with the opening batters at IPL 2026 with runs scored and strike rate, considering the match situation(pressure & having to build partnerships in the middle overs) and lack of fielding restrictions he has to deal with(5 out from start to finish), is absolutely.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 29, 2026
AB de Villiers may not have mentioned about bringing back Heinrich Klaasen from retirement, but his words definitely strengthen Kevin Pietersen’s advice to the South African Cricket Board in that regard.
