Henrich Klassen has declared his immediate retirement from Test cricket. Klaasen will remain available in white-ball competitions for South Africa. From 2019 and 2023, Klaasen participated in four Test matches for the African nation. The most recent one was against the West Indies in the summer. Following Dean Elgar’s Test career ended during the New Year’s Test versus India, he is becoming the second experienced player to leave the format. Although Klaasen was left off the team in favour of Kyle Verreynne, Test coach Shukri Conrad insisted that Klaasen remained in his plans.
Conrad stated as late as February of last year that he thought Klaasen was a “better batter” and hence favoured him over Verreynne. Having a top-score of 20, Klaasen amassed 56 runs in his four innings versus the West Indies, and Verreynne came up third in the first-class league last season.
Verreynne was Conrad’s choice against India, although at the time of the squad’s announcement, it was said that Klaasen would probably play in Tests in Bangladesh and the West Indies later this year. Klaasen has withdrawn from consideration for those tours as of right now.
Although he gave no explanation for his retirement. It is probable that Klaasen is chasing T20 leagues at this point in his career given his obligations in the MLC, IPL, and Hundred.
“It’s a difficult decision that I have made” : Heinrich Klassen
Henrich Klassen said in a statement that, “After a few sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket. It’s a difficult decision that I have made because it is by far my favourite format of the game.
The South African wicket-keeper batter added, “The battles that I faced on and off the field have made me the cricketer I am today. It has been a great journey and I am glad I could have represented my country. My baggy Test cap is the most precious cap I have ever been handed.”
Fans react as renowned South African wicketkeeper-batter retires from Test cricket: –
Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from Test cricket. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/ffVxiAZGz6
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 8, 2024
Test Cricket. Leagues. pic.twitter.com/fYHsWDpIDX
— AP (@AksP009) January 8, 2024
Why so early ?
— Shekhar Kulkarni (@Shekharcoool5) January 8, 2024
He’s technically not good enough for the test cricket ? team …!!!
— Zuhair (@zuh_dxb) January 8, 2024
When he played a test cricket???
— Praneeth (@fantasy_d11) January 8, 2024
#Virushka ? pic.twitter.com/pmiOiRvt4E
— Veere Vishal (@VeereVishal) January 8, 2024
He is fit for t20
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) January 8, 2024
As such he was not being selected so a good move, this makes him free to play T20 across the globe & franchise! @DaleSteyn62
— Akshay Shah – Founder CEO, iWebTechno | GenZDealZ (@AkshayiWeb) January 8, 2024
@mufaddal_vohra , T20 leagues effect pic.twitter.com/88rIXE69Vo
— Shivam Sopori?? (@shivamsopori) January 8, 2024
Aj kal sabko test cricket se retire hone ka shok chad gaya hai
— CHADitya ? (@CHADitya_18) January 8, 2024
Klaasen is the best player of t20 !! ??
— Shivaye ? (@shivaye01) January 8, 2024
