Klaasen bows out having reshaped T20-era but missing international honours

In this day and age, with lucrative T20 leagues around the world, the lack of Cricket South Africa’s financial muscle, and a host of other factors, it comes as little surprise to see a player of Heinrich Klaasen’s calibre call time on his international career at just 33-years old.

As it stands, the calendar for the average international cricketer is already demanding. It becomes even more taxing when you are one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the world, as Klaasen has become over the past three to four years.

With T20 leagues worldwide eager to secure his signature, the choice has become increasingly difficult: sign a four-week T20 deal worth millions of rands, or accept a national contract worth only a fraction of that — one that obliges players to be available for international duty regardless of other commitments.

Klaasen’s retirement from international cricket — much like Quinton de Kock’s Test retirement four years ago at just 28 — is the new reality that world cricket must come to terms with.

However, Klaasen’s international career will always be remembered as one filled with lessons — lessons for young players and the public alike: never give up on your dreams.

The right-hander burst onto the international scene during India’s tour of South Africa in 2018, immediately making an impact with a match-winning, unbeaten 47 off 23 balls that earned him the Player of the Match award. He went on to play four ODIs during that series before stealing the spotlight in the T20I leg, hammering a 30-ball 69 and winning a second Player of the Match accolade.

Having dismantled a Virat Kohli-led Indian side, Klaasen earned a place with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL a year later, as his wicketkeeper-batter dream quickly became a reality.

But the dream soon hit a snag. Klaasen’s first IPL season was underwhelming, and with Quinton de Kock established as South Africa’s primary wicketkeeper, his international career stalled as he struggled for game time.

Klaasen returned to domestic cricket with the Titans, where he initially looked a shadow of his former self. However, he soon rediscovered his rhythm by simplifying his approach and remaining true to his strengths rather than trying to emulate other top batters around the world.

Upon his return to the Proteas in 2020, he blazed 123 off 114 balls and collected yet another player of the match award. From that point on, Klaasen became a mainstay in South Africa’s middle order.

As his confidence grew, so too did his dominance — few, if any, middle-order batters in world cricket could match his ability to dismantle bowling attacks.

He featured in multiple ICC tournaments, including the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His breathtaking 178 off 83 balls against Australia in Centurion stands out as the crowning achievement of his international career.

His absence will be deeply felt in the Proteas dressing room. Spinner Keshav Maharaj, speaking ahead of the World Test Championship final, reflected on Klaasen’s retirement on Wednesday with admiration and disappointment.

“He’s probably one of, if not the most feared batsman, especially in the white-ball game these days. Yeah, it’s sad to know that he’s walking away,” Maharaj told the ICC.

“He’s still young. He’s younger than me. But, you know, we can only wish him well. I’m sure he has his reasons as to why, and you’ve got to respect that.

"A huge boot to fill within the line-up. But I know he’ll still be here supporting us and making sure that we get over the line in this game as well.”