Sunrisers Hyderabad set to retain Heinrich Klaasen and Pat Cummins ahead of IPL 2025

With the deadline for locking in retentions ahead of IPL 2025 inching close, IPL franchises seem to have found their priorities. The latest reports suggest that the runners up of IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad is set to retain South African wicket-keeper batter, Heinrich Klaasen as their top retention. Pat Cummins, the second costliest pick of IPL 2024 is likely to claim the second spot in the retention cap for SRH. Moreover, the Hyderabad-based team is keen on continuing their association with youngster Abhishek Sharma for the upcoming season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad lock in their top retention ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

As per the reports from ESPNCrincfo, Sunrisers Hyderabad have locked Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma as their top retentions ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. For the upcoming season, a franchise can retain up to 6 players, with the retention caps set at 18 crores, 14 crore, and 11 crore respectively. The next two caps are again set at 18 crores and 14 crores. The sixth place is set for an Indian ‘uncapped player’ priced at 4 crore INR. The auction purse, moreover, has been increased to 120 crores for the season ahead. If a franchise opts to use all the retention spots, it will need to spill 79 crores before the mega auction.

Sunrisers Hyderabad put on a stellar performance in IPL 2024 with Pat Cummins leading the pack. With explosive batting from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma up the order, the team extended their reach to IPL 2024 final. However, Kolkata Knight Riders proved the better side on the ultimate day. Nonetheless, SRH identified their key performers and will look to retain them before heading to the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The franchise is reportedly retaining Klaasen for INR 23 crores with Cummins and Sharma earning 18 crores and 14 crores respectively. Moreover, SRH is likely to get Travis Head and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy back in the squad. Notably, Hyderabad can not retain Reddy as an uncapped player now that Reddy has debuted for India in the India vs Bangladesh T20I series.

Amidst the reports regarding the retention, Dale Steyn has confirmed the end of his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. The former South African pacer will not return as the bowling coach for SRH in the 2025 IPL season. Nevertheless, he will remain involved with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape team in SA20. Steyn, who took on the coaching role ahead of the 2022 season, withdrew from the 2024 IPL campaign due to personal reasons. His position was filled by ex-New Zealand fast bowler James Franklin during that season.