How Klaasen's Innings Came As A 'Blessing' For The South African

Heinrich Klaasen played one of the best knocks against the Indian team in T20Is when he smacked 81 runs in just 46 balls to help South Africa win the match by four wickets. The fact that the pitch at Cuttack wasn't easy to bat made it more memorable and enjoyable. 

Klaasen wasn't the first choice to play this game as Quinton de Kock is also with the South African squad for this series. However, de Kock got injured which got Klaasen an opportunity to contribute to the win. 

"Quinny came up to me in the bus and told me that he has injured his wrist. Yesterday morning his hand was a bit stiff, so I got to know that I am playing yesterday," Klaasen said after the match. 

Although Klaasen does get picked for the national squad more often than not, but he doesn't play much and whenever he played, the inconsistency has always followed him. So much so that even Klaasen had doubts about his international career. 

"I am glad the knock came against India. I hope it extends my career longer. I haven't performed well in the last couple of years," the 30-year-old said. 

It's not only Klaasen that had his doubts about his international career but also the Cricket South Africa board as well. In the central contract list of 16 members, Klaasen was not retained. The wicketkeeper-batter had last played for South Africa 229 days ago in the T20 World Cup 2021. 

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India has been very lucky for Heinrich Klaasen. He made his limited-overs debut against them, got his first player of the match award against them, and now has given himself another chance to revive his international career by playing one of the best knocks against them.