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Red-hot Klaasen rules out Proteas return

Heinrich Klaasen says he has no regrets about stepping away from international cricket, despite enjoying a prolific run of form in the IPL.

The former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman has been a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, leading the run charts with 494 in 11 matches at an average of 54.89 and a strike rate of 157.32.

Batting in the middle order alongside the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Ishan Kishan, Klaasen has already struck five half-centuries – the most by any player in the competition.

Relieved of wicketkeeping duties this season, the 34-year-old has thrived in a specialist batting role while also contributing in the field with 10 catches.

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Klaasen, who retired from international cricket last June, said he had no regrets.

“No, I am not worried about that. I’ve made my peace with it. I’ve made the right decision and I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my career,” he said.

“I’ve been enjoying cricket without international commitments. It gives me a lot of family time and more time back home in South Africa.

“I would have loved to be in South Africa and finish at the [ODI] World Cup in 2027, but unfortunately life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to.”

Photo: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

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