The SunRisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants (SRH vs LSG) match is ready for the seventh game of the IPL 2025, while Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad) will host it on Thursday evening (March 27). Here, we are going through the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains for the fixture. 

IPL 2025, Match 7: SRH vs LSG Probable XIs

SunRisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing 11: Travis Head/Adam Zampa (Impact Sub), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel

IPL 2025, Match 7: SRH vs LSG Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Travis Head: While SRH have the most dangerous batting line-up, Aussie cricketer Travis Head plays the crucial starter role for his team, which exactly matches with his batting character. While the IPL 2024 runners-up SRH started the IPL 2025 with the second-highest IPL total, Head set up the status with his firing 67 off 31 balls with nine fours and three sixes. 

Mitchell Marsh: Despite playing the IPL 2025 only as a batter due to his recovery process from his injury, Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh highly impressed with the bat during LSG's first game in the IPL 2025, where the opener recorded his joint fastest T20 50 runs in 21 balls and scored 72 off 36 balls with six fours and six sixes to provide a solid start for his team. 

Nicholas Pooran: Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran is one of the busiest T20 cricketers at present, as he holds the most T20 runs record since 2024 with a massive 190+ sixes, as he is one of the most dangerous T20 batters at present. In their season opener, while Pooran was dropped early, he punished the Delhi Capitals with his 75 off 30 balls with six fours and seven sixes. 

See Also: Ishan Kishan’s Top 5 Dream Opening Partners in IPL, Including Legends and Young Talents

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Ishan Kishan: What a stunning comeback for Ishan Kishan as he slammed the first century in the IPL 2025 by scoring 106 not out off 47 balls with 11 fours and six sixes to guide SRH to the second-highest total in IPL history. Now, the left-handed batter has to prove his improvement by performing consistently. 

Shardul Thakur: After remaining unsold in the mega auctions, Shardul Thakur is outstanding. After his incredible domestic cricket season as an all-rounder, Thakur has joined LSG as a replacement and picked up two wickets in his first over of the IPL 2025. Despite bowling well in his two overs, Thakur was not allowed to complete his quota, and LSG suffered a surprise one-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals. So, the importance of Thakur for LSG was very clear in their season opener. 

Heinrich Klaasen: South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen is now one of the most dangerous middle-order batters, who is popular for his incredible consistency with the bat, along with powerful hits. In their first game of the IPL 2025, while SRH recorded the second-highest IPL total, Klaasen had an effective cameo of 34 off 14 balls with five fours and one six. 

HEINRICH KLAASEN

Heinrich Klaasen is a Fear for bowlers because of his ability to hit massive sixes. The South African batter is one of the best when it comes to sending the ball into the stands. It doesn’t matter who the bowler is or where they pitch the ball, if Klaasen connects, it’s gone. From 2023, only one player has hit more sixes than Heinrich Klaasen (168) in T20s. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, he has freedom to hit the big and massive strokes. Don’t be surprised if he smashes the longest six of the tournament.

ALSO READ: New Zealand vs Pakistan: Predicted Playing XI for 4th T20I 2025

In IPL 2024, Heinrich Klaasen was a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He played 16 matches and scored 479 runs at a strong strike rate of 171.07 and an average of 39.91. His best score was 80 (not out), and he smashed 38 sixes and 19 fours. With four half-centuries, Klaasen is a big hitter and an important player of SRH’s batting lineup. Heinrich Klaasen hit a massive 106-meter six in the RCB vs SRH match during IPL 2024. It was the longest six of the tournament and even landed on the roof of Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The inaugural ICC Champions Trophy winners South Africa have started their journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday (February 21) with their Group B fixture against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. While the Proteas have already missed a few of their regular players before the tournament, their in-form explosive batter missed out on their tournament opener due to an injury. 

See Also: Axar Patel asks for payback from captain Rohit Sharma

In-form Heinrich Klaasen misses South Africa's CT 2025 opener

The 33-year-old explosive middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen has missed out on South Africa's tournament opener against Afghanistan. He has been ruled out from the game as a precautionary measure due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. Since last December, South Africa have played four ODIs, and Klaasen scored 86, 97, 81, and 87 runs, respectively. Since 2024, Klaasen has been the leading ODI run-scorer for South Africa. 

South Africa will face Australia and England in the remaining two matches of the group stage. While Rawalpindi will host their next fixture against Australia on February 25, England will be their last group stage opponent on March 1 at Karachi. It will be interesting to see whether Klaasen becomes fit sooner or the Proteas face another blow. 

Tristan Stubbs isn't in the playing XI

Meanwhile, Tristan Stubbs is unlikely South Africa's first-choice player for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as he wasn't selected in the playing XI for the Afghanistan match. The 24-year-old has played eight ODIs, where he has recorded one century and one half-century with a batting average of 41.50 and a strike rate of 89.89.  

While South Africa are struggling in the recent ODI matches, it is an important tournament for them. The wound of the shocking ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final defeat against India is still very fresh for them, and this Champions Trophy is a serious journey beginning for them in the ODI format looking ahead to the next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will host along with Zimbabwe and Namibia in late 2027. 

One of the most thrilling cricket tournaments of the year is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is a tournament that consists of the eight best ODI teams for the coveted trophy. The matches are being hosted in Pakistan, with top-notch stadiums hosting thrilling matches

• Match: Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Group B Match)
• Date: February 21, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM Local Time (IST)
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

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TV Broadcast Details

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ALSO READ:AFG vs SA Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 03, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

SQUADS

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Rassie van der Dussen

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran, Nangeyalia Kharote

The most exciting New Zealand vs South Africa is the 2nd match of the tri-series tour of Pakistan in 2025. The match has a separate fan base and it is most trilling with the good squads

Match Details

• Teams: New Zealand vs South Africa
• Tournament: NZ & SA tour of Pakistan 2025
• Date: February 10, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM IST
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

TOSS: New Zealand own the opt to bowl

Live Streaming and Telecast :

In India: The match will be live telecast on Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app or website.

Online:Fan code

In Pakistan: Viewers can watch the live telecast on PTV Sports.

In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ will broadcast the match live.

In Bangladesh:TV Channel Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports and Online Streaming: Rabbithole app, T Sports app

In the United States: Willow TV will provide live coverage.

ALSO READ:NZ vs SA 2nd Match, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Highlights to Batch:

Both the teams played remarkable batting; explosive power hitting, smart stroke play kept the fans on tenterhooks throughout.

Brilliant bowling spells mounted pressure leading to crucial breakthroughs.

A thrilling finish at the end gave this match an experience that most games in the series could hardly surpass.

Magnificent fielding; brilliant catches, quick runouts showed that how agile both teams were in fielding.

Heinrich Klaasen and Kane Williamson: The Power of Affectionate Nicknames

Heinrich Klaasen and Kane Williamson are two of the finest and most lovable cricketers in the cricketing world, with such affectionate nicknames bringing about great charm and association between themselves and their admirers.

The South African wicket-keeper batsman Klaasen is fondly known as "Klaasie." This nickname is a slight diminutive form of his surname; however, it has become synonymous with this particular reason for his amiable and affable nature. The fans and his fellow teammates are reverent of this name since it depicts the warmth that Klaasen showers upon the game.

"Heinrich Klaasen - what's your favorite nickname?

Kane Williamson - they call me 'Kane Mama' in India. I certainly like that".

ALSO READ:Indian Cricket Stars Close to Break Historic Milestones in the IND vs ENG 2025 Series

Another one from the other side is Kane Williamson, a great New Zealand captain with a nickname that truly reflects the level of respect he gets in India— "Kane Mama." "Mama" is actually the term to address a person in India with love and respect. Williamson's rapport with the fans in India particularly when he was with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL has led him to this 'Mama.'. It portrays the love that he has gathered through the years from his Indian followers. As a matter of fact, even Williamson admitted his liking for the name and credited that he shared an extraordinary bonding with his Indian followers.

Heinrich Klaasen - what's your favourite nickname?

Kane Williamson - they call me 'Kane Mama' in India. I certainly like that. pic.twitter.com/8nbullCJ4e

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 6, 2025

These two cricket players remind us how sporting events can sometimes bridge borders and create, through nicknames, warmth and respect as well as affection between athletes and their fans. It is not just the performance they deliver at the game, but personal connections that make them special to their fans.

Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, known for his ruthless power-hitting and the ability to dismantle any bowling attack in the shortest format. A consistent performer with a devastating strike rate of 168.3, Klaasen has amassed 993 runs across 32 IPL matches, boasting an average of 38.2. His uncanny knack for hitting boundaries, coupled with an impressive 104 fours and 56 sixes, makes him a bowler's nightmare, especially in the pressure-laden death overs. These late overs see Klaasen at his best, where his strike rate skyrockets to an astonishing 192.8, piling up 403 runs off just 209 deliveries and further establishing his reputation as a game-changing finisher.

Klaasen’s IPL journey began with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, then he moved to the Rajasthan Royals, before finally finding his groove with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At SRH, he has not only flourished but also delivered his most impactful performances, staking his claim as one of the top T20 finishers in the league. His lethal ability to finish games has filled a critical gap for SRH, where his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease has made him invaluable. With his current form and match-winning prowess, Klaasen stands as a premier T20 finisher, redefining late-innings power play in the IPL.

See Also: Tony de Zorzi Powers South Africa's Steady March Toward the WTC Finals

Is Retaining Heinrich Klaasen for ₹23 Crore Justified?

Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, renowned for his ruthless power-hitting and ability to dismantle any bowling attack in the shortest format. With a devastating strike rate of 168.3, he has accumulated 993 runs across 32 IPL matches, averaging an impressive 38.2. Klaasen's uncanny knack for finding boundaries is evident in his impressive tally of 104 fours and 56 sixes, making him a bowler's nightmare, especially in pressure-laden death overs. These late innings have become his playground, where his strike rate skyrockets to a staggering 192.8, underscoring his reputation as a game-changing finisher.

Klaasen’s IPL journey began with the Royal Challengers Bangalore before he moved to the Rajasthan Royals and ultimately found his stride with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At SRH, he has not only flourished but also delivered his most impactful performances, staking his claim as one of the top T20 finishers in the league. His lethal ability to finish games has filled a critical gap for SRH, where his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease has made him invaluable. Klaasen's current form and match-winning prowess position him as a premier T20 finisher, redefining late-innings power play in the IPL.

The pressure situations of death overs are where Klaasen truly shines. Facing 209 balls in these high-stakes moments, he has scored 403 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 192.8. His ability to consistently find the boundary is highlighted by his tally of 54 boundaries and 25 sixes, demonstrating his power and precision when it matters most. With a death-over average of 28.8, Klaasen has established himself as a batter who can be relied upon to deliver in crunch situations. Compared to his peers, his exceptional boundary conversion rate sets him apart, marking him as a crucial player in tight matches.

A deeper analysis of Klaasen’s performance reveals a strong correlation between his Boundary Run Percentage (BR%) and Strike Rate (SR), where he boasts a BR% of 69.55 and a phenomenal strike rate of 201.12. This correlation indicates that his ability to clear the ropes consistently contributes significantly to his overall scoring. While other high-strike-rate batters, such as Dinesh Karthik and Shivam Dube, also show positive correlations between BR% and SR, Klaasen’s unmatched numbers highlight his unique capacity to maximize boundary efficiency and maintain momentum, especially towards the end of the innings.

In conclusion, Klaasen’s rise as a premier T20 finisher is a direct result of his boundary-hitting efficiency and high strike rate, particularly in death-over situations. His impressive statistics reflect his significant impact on the game, particularly in tight match scenarios. Given his exceptional performance and crucial role in these situations, the question arises: is Heinrich Klaasen worth ₹23 crore? The answer is a resounding yes. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his match-winning capabilities, justifies such an investment. In modern T20 cricket, effective finishers like Klaasen are invaluable assets, making him a worthy candidate for retention at this price.

See Also: India Women Clinch Series Victory Against New Zealand in Style

While the official deadline for the IPL retention is October 31, the possible retention of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been revealed.

According to ESPNcricinfo, South African power hitter Heinrich Klaasen will be the top retention for the SRH. The next two possible names are Australian star Pat Cummins and Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. 

Each team can retain a maximum of six players, including a maximum of five capped players (Indian or foreigner) and a maximum of two uncapped players.

SEE ALSO: Paras Mhambrey returns to Mumbai Indians as bowling coach

The reported earnings

According to the retention rules, if SRH retain Klassen as the first player, the South African will earn INR 23 crore. While Pat Cummins joined last season with an auction price of INR 20.50 crore, he will now get INR 18 crore if he is retained as the second player. 

While Abhishek Sharma can be the third retained player, his value will be INR 14 crore. 

The ESPNcricinfo report further added that Australian star Travis Head and Indian cricketer  Nitish Kumar Reddy could also be retained. 

Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, SunRisers Hyderabad became one of the most exciting and dangerous teams at the IPL 2024. The IPL 2016 champions finished as the runners-up in the last IPL season as they lost the IPL 2024 final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

How did the star SRH players perform in the IPL 2024?

In the IPL 2024, Head was the leading run-scorer for SRH and the fourth leading run-scorer overall. The left-handed batter scored 567 runs in 15 innings with a strike rate of 191.55, as he recorded one century and four half-centuries.

Klaasen scored 479 runs in 15 innings during the IPL 2024 with a strike rate of 171.07. He hit four half-centuries. 

Apart from scoring 484 runs in 16 innings (strike rate 204.21) with three half-centuries, Abhishek Sharma picked up two wickets during the IPL 2024. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 303 runs in the last IPL season (strike rate 142.92), including two half-centuries, and also claimed three wickets.   

SRH skipper Pat Cummins was the second leading wicket-taker for his team in the IPL 2024, with 18 wickets in 16 matches. 

In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, certain moments will etch themselves into their memories the roar of the crowd, the tension in the air, and the heroics that unfolded on the lush green field. Among those heroics, Virat Kohli’s masterful 76, Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, and Hardik Pandya’s nerve-wracking final over will undoubtedly take center stage. But there’s one player whose contribution often remains a footnote, overshadowed by the spotlight on the star Axar Patel.

Axar’s crucial knock in final

The match began with India losing three wickets for a mere 34 runs during the PowerPlay. The situation was dire, and India needed a circuit-breaker. Enter Axar Patel, the unassuming all-rounder who would soon play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the T20 World Cup.

Promoted up the order, Axar walked in with a steely resolve. His 47 off 31 balls was a blend of aggression and calculated risk-taking. While Kohli meticulously accumulated runs through singles and doubles, Axar provided the necessary fireworks. His innings complemented Kohli’s beautifully crafted 76, ensuring India reached a competitive total of 176.

The near-villain moment

Cricket is a game of twists and turns. Axar’s heroics were followed by a moment of heartbreak. In the same match, he bowled the 15th over, an over that would haunt him. Facing the onslaught of South African batsmen Heinrich Klaasen, Axar conceded 24 runs. His non-dominant right hand, which had earlier wielded the bat with precision, now struggled to find its line and length. The villainous over threatened to undo all his hard work.

Axar’s performance ensured favorable entry points for India’s big hitters. Shivam Dube, who had struggled earlier, scored a crucial 27 off 16 balls. Axar’s knock had laid the foundation, and now it was up to others to build upon it.

India eventually clinched victory by seven runs, ending their 13-year wait for a world title. Axar’s near-villain moment was overshadowed by the euphoria of the win, but it remains a testament to the rollercoaster of emotions that cricket can evoke.

In the end, Axar Patel’s journey from batting India out of trouble to conceding 24 runs in that fateful over captured the essence of T20 cricket. Cricket fans will forever remember his near-villain moment, a chapter in the grand saga of India’s T20 World Cup triumph.

The Men in Blue will now face South Africa in their final game on Saturday at the Bridgetown in Barbados. Earlier on Thursday, the Proteas beat Afghanistan in the first semi-final. India has qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 final after defeating England by 69 runs in their second semi-final in Guyana on Thursday.
South Africa beat Afghanistan in the first semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Proteas advanced for their first World Cup final.

There will be several intriguing player battles ahead of the India-South Africa T20 World Cup final. Player clashes add a new level of excitement to the contest’s winner selection process. Let’s look at a few of them:

Rohit Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada

The Indian skipper has been in excellent form and is coming off two consecutive half-centuries. So far, no batter has hit three consecutive 50s in this tournament. The way Rohit is batting right now, it appears very possible, and he is a player who can remove the pitch from the equation.

That’s why it’s critical to stop him. Kagiso Rabada has also caused him problems on several occasions. Rabada has bowled Rohit 13 times in international cricket, including twice in the IPL. That means he eliminated the Indian captain 15 times in their 32 meetings.

Also Read: From weather to reserve day: All you need to know about T20 World Cup 2024 Final between South Africa and India

Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, is performing badly in this tournament. However, given his stature, he is capable of winning any position. That is why South Africa will not write him off. If South Africa can get him out early, it will put pressure on the remaining Indian batters, especially Rohit.

That is where we believe Marco Jansen can be useful. The pacer with the left arm is going to get the ball into him and are good bouncer, whereas Virat may struggle. Jansen dismissed Virat five times in international cricket and once in the Indian Premier League.

Heinrich Klaasen vs Kuldeep Yadav

South Africa will be contemplating their strategy against the Indian spinner, as this will be crucial in the SA vs IND final. Heinrich Klaasen will be the lineup’s biggest batter. He can face Indian spinner and score runs on shifting tracks as well.

Kuldeep Yadav, however, will be his most difficult challenge. This wrist spinner is difficult to read, which makes him a danger to any batter. Klaasen and Kuldeep have met ten times in international cricket, with Kuldeep dismissing him three times. In white-ball cricket, Klaasen has scored 84 runs off 64 balls against him.

Suryakumar Yadav vs Anrich Nortje

Not only will India rely on Rohit and Virat, but also on Suryakumar Yadav’s batting. He has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, and it is now time for him to deliver one final strong innings that will propel India to victory. He has a good record against South Africa.

He’ll be looking to play some unconventional shots. However, it can be difficult to beat Anrich Nortje, who can bowl at speeds ranging from 120 to 150 KMPH without changing his action. Nortje has twice dismissed Suryakumar in four IPL innings.

Quinton de Kock vs Jasprit Bumrah

Quinton de Kock is the leading scorer for South Africa in the current ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He scored runs against strong opposition and will be crucial for his team. If he gets going, he will not let the Indian bowlers rest. That is where it will be critical to get him out.

However, his first challenge will be versus Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer has given India a good start. His first spell will be critical. He has enjoyed bowling with De Kock. Bumrah has sacked De Kock six times, including once in the IPL.