Heinrich Klaasen: The next big catch of IPL?

Just when India was pacing the juggernaut of victory to crush South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen emerged. The man salvaged the Proteas in the second T20I match where they beat India by six wickets at SuperSport Park.

Klaasen’s blitz of 69 off 30 balls, studded with seven sixes, helped South Africa sail through the drizzly match. He partnered Captain JP Duminy to set South Africa on the path of victory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfeJzmnHnff/

While Klaasen and Duminy were praised, Chahal and Unandkat were heavily trolled by the Twitterati:

Bhaiya, Klaasen ne to class le layi aaj . Chakke pe Chakka

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 21, 2018

RR while buying Unadkat for 11.5 cr. pic.twitter.com/PQLxIwNxKS

— Dr. AJ (@DarrKeAage) February 21, 2018

Ashwin after Chahal's spell. pic.twitter.com/U6XbLP1Tah

— Arun Pandiyan (@ArunPandiyanMJ) February 21, 2018

When Duminy's playing through, you know you have little chance.

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 21, 2018

It Seems South Africans Are Playing Wearing Pink Jersey Underneath The Green One. ???? #IndvSA #INDvsSA #SAvIND #SAvsIND

— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) February 21, 2018

"#Chahal, Dude! Open Up The Door. I Promise I Won't Do Anything" – Virat Kohli ??? #SAvIND #INDvsSA #INDvSA #SAvsIND Yuzvendra Chahal #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/zbBArGETfs

— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) February 21, 2018

Klaasen!!!! You beauty. We need someone who doesn’t fear this India team and seems he’s our man!

He’s on 69 (29) #savsind

— Andile Ncube (@AndileNcube) February 21, 2018

Chahal: DM me your number
Klaasen: 664106 #SAvIND

— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) February 21, 2018

The day belongs to

Kamal Haasan and Klaasen

— Bobgally (@Krishnan_Masi) February 21, 2018

Klaasen has been among the rare bright spots for South Africa in these limited overs games. They have made the right call by making him bat up the order unlike the last game #SAvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) February 21, 2018

Someone call Police. Chahal is being murdered at Centurion. #SAvIND

— cricBC (@cricBC) February 21, 2018

ODI : Chahal comes to bowl. South Africans are scared.

T20I : Chahal comes to bowl. Indians are scared. #SAvIND

— Sejal ? (@sejal_mokal) February 21, 2018

Been a weird game this. 2 maiden overs and 38 in two others!!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 21, 2018

Bring on the series decider: Faf Du Plessis

As soon as South Africa registered a victory against India, Faf Du Plessis, the regular skipper in ODIs and Tests took to Twitter to praise his team:

Great character shown by a young protea team.well batted @jpduminy21 and @Heini22 .enjoyed @JDala3 bowling aswell.bring on the series decider ???

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) February 21, 2018

When Klaasen kindled South African hopes:

‘Klaasie got us ahead of the game,’ quoted JP Duminy after the win.

The wicket-keeper batsman who made his International debut after Quinton de Kock was ruled out of the ODI series due to an injury, was sent to bat at number 4 when it seemed that rain could hinder the game.

The decision turned out to be in favour of South Africa and he proved lethal for the pacers and India’s spinner Yuzvenra Chahal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfS27PQHpzt/?hl=en&taken-by=heinie45

Man of the match in the home ground:

Klaseen was playing on his home ground, that’s what made the game even more special for him.

“Pretty special, especially at my home ground. It’s what you dream of as a young kid. Didn’t get such a surface last season with the Titans franchise. You’ve got to put the bowler under pressure,” Klaseen asserted after winning the man of the match for the second T20I against India.

https://twitter.com/TheCricWorld/status/966512942735794176

What’s next for Klaasen?

Klaasen also starred SA’s win in the pink ODI which was their only win during the ODI series against India.

With his stellar form and hitting ability, he might be the next big star in the IPL where franchises might be willing to bet some big stakes on him.

Who knows Klaasen may be roped in this edition if any of the overseas recruits get injured mid-way.