“Why would they want to release him?” - Aakash Chopra’s huge statement on SRH star ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra expressed his surprise over the potential release of Heinrich Klaasen by the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. SRH retained Klaasen by paying him ₹23 crore, prompting Chopra to question them, as it initally seemed like a long-term investment.

Klaasen, who joined the SunRisers in 2023, was their highest run-getter in the 2025 edition, mustering 487 runs in 14 matches at 44.27, though the Orange Army failed to reach the playoffs. The South African hard-hitter was also instrumental in the SunRisers' road to the final in IPL 2024.

Speaking in the latest video on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' the former Indian cricketer said:

"It was interesting the amount they paid for Heinrich Klaasen. He then became the most expensive player retained amongst overseas ones. Even Nicholas Pooran was retained, but the money paid for Klaasen made it seem like it was a long-term investment. Rumours were also that Klaasen wanted to be captain but they said Pat Cummins would lead. But SRH ensured to pay him plenty of money. But if SRH paid him so much, why would they want to release him? That is the big question."

Nevertheless, Chopra claimed that there are strong chances the SunRisers will look to seal the deal on Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green and want to keep aside a significant amount for him. He also predicted that Klaasen and Green could be two of the costliest players in the upcoming IPL auction.

"Pat Cummins and Daniel Vettori are part of the think tank. So, Cameron Green might be in the mix. May be that is the reason. That is the biggest rumour as of now. SRH have made up their mind about bringing in Cameron Green; hence, they want to keep aside ₹26-27 crore. If that is the case, they have to release Heinrich Klaasen," he added. "I don’t think they will release Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Cummins is the skipper. Harshal Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy also look unlikely to be released. They shouldn’t release these big names either. If Klaasen is released, he could be one of the two costliest players along with Green. Teams will run behind them. Teams will say ‘If you let go of them, we will catch them’."

Green missed IPL 2025 due to a back injury, for which he underwent surgery. The seam-bowling all-rounder performed decently for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024 but had a strong season with the bat for the Mumbai Indians the year before, mustering 452 runs in 16 matches, including a ton.

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"They could compete with KKR for Cameron Green" - Aakash Chopra on SRH in IPL 2026 auction

Cameron Green could be in massive demand during the auction. (Credits: Getty)

In the same video, Chopra claimed that Mohammed Shami's trade to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Klaasen's potential release means SRH will have a significant purse in the auction. He said:

"Mohammed Shami’s trade discussions were with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but it is learnt that he has been traded to LSG. It looks like a done deal, so Hyderabad has ₹10 crore in their pocket. You can then think about Rahul Chahar too because he is hardly in the playing XI. If Chahar doesn’t play, his money could be utilised by releasing him. SRH might want to hold on to Adam Zampa. If Klaasen is released too, this team could have ₹40-45 crore going into the auction. They could compete with KKR for Cameron Green."

At the same time, the 48-year-old warned that the SunRisers will have to work on their bowling department in the auction.

"SRH might want to buy good spinners. Adam Zampa couldn’t play much in IPL 2025, Zeeshan Ansari struggled and Kamindu Mendis is ambidextrous but he isn’t quite clicking in this tournament as a bowler. They will also need fast bowlers because if Shami is gone and there is only Harshal Patel left. So, pacers will be required," he added.

The mini auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.