SRH Prioritizes Team Success, Klaasen Becomes Top Earner

SRH Prioritizes Team Success, Klaasen Becomes Top Earner

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has made strategic decisions regarding player retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. The franchise has reportedly identified Heinrich Klaasen as their primary retention, followed by Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma.

Klaasen, a South African wicketkeeper-batter, is set to receive INR 23 crore as the top-earning player. Cummins, the Australian all-rounder and former SRH captain, will receive INR 18 crore, while Sharma, the Indian all-rounder, will get INR 14 crore.

Despite being SRH’s highest-paid player last year, Cummins has reportedly taken a selfless approach by agreeing to Klaasen’s higher salary. This decision reflects Cummins’ commitment to team success over personal gain.

The IPL allows franchises to retain up to six players, but SRH is opting for just three retentions. This strategy will give them a significant advantage in the auction, as they will have a larger purse to acquire new talent.

Cummins’ leadership and collaboration with coach Daniel Vettori have been instrumental in SRH’s recent success. Under their guidance, young players like Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy have flourished.

SRH is expected to finalize the retentions of Travis Head and Reddy soon. The franchise will have one Right-to-Match (RTM) card available at the auction, which can be used to retain an uncapped Indian player.

Pat Cummins will continue as SRH captain in 2025, leading the team’s charge for another successful season.