“LSG can look at him because he’s in their Durban team” - Aakash Chopra’s huge statement on SRH star ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra made a huge statement on which team can target Heinrich Klaasen if SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. According to a report by The Times of India, SRH could let go of Klaasen.

Aakash Chopra reckoned that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) could look to rope in the SRH star if he is available at the auction. He added that Klaasen also plays for the Durban's Super Giants in the SA20.

"If Klaasen comes in the auction LSG can look at him because he's in their Durban team as well. Maybe they can leave Will O'Rourke and look at some other bowler. I think LSG will walk into the auction with a lot of money," he said. (via 2 Sloggers YouTube channel)

Klaasen has scored 1480 runs in 49 IPL matches so far at an average of 40 and a strike-rate of 169.72 with two hundreds and seven half-centuries.

Despite the reports, Chopra believed that SRH would not release Klaasen. He explored the possibility of them going after Australian all-rounder Cameron Green at the auction. To free up funds for Green, he reckoned they could let go of pacer Mohammad Shami. Notably, SRH splurged a massive amount of ₹23 crores to retain Klaasen ahead of the 2025 season.

"SRH will not release Klaasen. You do not spend 23 crores for just one year. They will not release Ishaan Kishan as well. Cameron Green will be the most expensive player. But to get him I don't think they will release Klaasen. Maybe they will leave Shami. If Klaasen comes to the auction, he will change the dynamics a lot."

Shami could not play the whole season late year due to injury. He played nine matches and had an underwhelming display. The pacer bagged six wickets at an average of 56.16 and an economy of 11.23.

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Aakash Chopra reflects on DC's IPL 2026 auction plans

Aakash Chopra also weighed in on the plans of the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. DC acquired star batter KL Rahul last season. There have been rumours of KL being traded ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, Aakash Chopra reckoned that he would stay at Delhi.

He stated that T Natarajan and Jake Fraser-McGurk could be the two potential releases for DC.

"I don't think KL is going anywhere. Natarajan is a big question because he was not used enough last year. Him and Jake Fraser-McGurk are two names they could release. But I will also not rule out the possibility that they might not release Natarajan," he said.

Jake Fraser-McGurk struggled last season. He managed just 55 runs from six matches at a strike-rate of 105.76. Natarajan played just two matches and bowled three overs.

Edited by Rishab Vm