Sunrisers Hyderabad star Heinrich Klaasen grabbed attention off the field after a video of him travelling with his family in an auto-rickshaw in Hyderabad went viral on social media.
The South African wicketkeeper-batter, who was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a record ₹23 crore ahead of IPL 2026, was seen opting for a simple local ride instead of luxury transport, sparking widespread reactions online.
Despite being one of the highest-paid overseas players in the tournament - and reportedly worth several million dollars through league contracts and endorsements - Klaasen appeared relaxed as he travelled with his family in the auto-rickshaw on a hot day, with temperatures touching nearly 40°C.
The video showed Klaasen and his family enjoying
the ride through city streets, creating a moment that many fans described as relatable and refreshing. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, becoming one of the most talked-about off-field moments of IPL 2026.
The Cultural difference between Indians and the white People..
He is Heinrich Klassen, He earns around 30 Crore from IPL every year.
He earns around another 8-10 Crores from other Leagues.
He is currently in Hyderabad with his Wife and Daughter.
Today, he wanted to take his… pic.twitter.com/44OpPxvUcR- Rohit (@Iam_Rohit_G) May 1, 2026
Klaasen's estimated net worth is believed to be around $6-8 million (approximately ₹50-65 crore), built through international cricket contracts, T20 leagues across the world, and endorsement deals. His ₹23 crore IPL retention alone places him among the elite earners in the tournament.
Fan reactions flood social media after viral ride
The viral video triggered a wide range of reactions online, with fans sharing contrasting views on Klaasen's decision to take a local auto-rickshaw ride.
Many users praised the moment as a sign of comfort and safety for overseas cricketers travelling in Indian cities.
This video shows how safe foreign players feel in India. Heinrich Klaasen enjoying an auto-rickshaw ride with his daughter without any security. ❤
- Sonu (@Cricket_live247) May 2, 2026
Just casually picking an auto and roaming around Hyderabad city — that’s why foreign players always love coming to India to play in… pic.twitter.com/DDm63oOkM1
"This video shows how safe foreign players feel in India. Heinrich Klaasen enjoying an auto-rickshaw ride with his daughter without any security. Just casually picking an auto and roaming around Hyderabad city - that's why foreign players always love coming to India to play in the IPL," one fan wrote.
Others believed the ride was simply a one-time fun experience rather than a lifestyle choice.
Call me when you record him taking an auto everyday. Did it occur to you that he was probably doing it for “fun” or as an “experience”?
- Naren Menon (@NarenMenon1) May 2, 2026
But hey why stop when I can make Elon bucks shaming your own people. Embarrassing https://t.co/V8MOCPnjXo
"Call me when you record him taking an auto everyday. Did it occur to you that he was probably doing it for 'fun' or as an 'experience'?" another user commented.
Some reactions also focused on the summer heat, suggesting practicality might have played a role in most travel choices.
Very likely he did it once for the novelty. Or maybe he did not. There are thousands like him especially in South India where very wealthy people lead simple lives and one wouldn’t know how many crores they are actually worth.
- MayaRao (@MayaRao) May 2, 2026
Or, maybe, just maybe, the novelty of sitting in one (something all foreigner celebs do) does not appeal to them. The heat is bad enough that they'd rather spend the extra fare. https://t.co/Nv17ZcAiqc
- Aditya Tiwari (@OmMitrasya) May 2, 2026
"Or, maybe, just maybe, the novelty of sitting in one does not appeal to them. The heat is bad enough that they'd rather spend the extra fare," another comment read.
Despite the differing opinions, the moment was widely viewed as a charming off-field snapshot of life during the IPL season.
Heinrich Klaasen faces privacy incident on trip
The auto-rickshaw video surfaced shortly after another clip involving Klaasen circulated online, this time linked to a privacy concern involving his family.
In the earlier video, Klaasen was allegedly seen asking a fan to stop recording him and his family without permission. The cricketer was heard warning the individual against continuing to film.
"Don't do it, sorry. Listen to me very carefully, don't do it, okay," he was heard saying in the clip.
"I said to you no. Please leave," he added.
When the fan continued filming, Klaasen reportedly responded more firmly.
"Thank you very much, but don't take a photo. If I turn around and you take a photo of me and my family, I promise you will be on the floor, okay. "
The incident sparked discussions about athlete privacy, particularly during high-profile tournaments where players often travel with family members.
Heinrich Klaasen remains key to SRH's IPL 2026 playoff push
Away from the viral moments, Klaasen continues to play a major role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's strong campaign in IPL 2026.
Batting in the middle order, he has delivered several impactful performances, including an unbeaten 65 off 30 balls during a major chase earlier this season. His ability to accelerate late in innings has made him one of the most valuable finishers in the league.
Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn recently praised Klaasen's consistency, highlighting how he continues to match top-order batters despite batting lower down the order.
"The numbers are just insane because he's competing with the guys at the top of the order, the opening batters. He comes out later and yet; he's still right up there as an Orange Cap contender. It's an exceptional effort by him," Steyn said.
As Sunrisers Hyderabad push toward the playoffs, Klaasen's performances, both on the field and in viral moments off it, have ensured he remains one of the most visible and talked-about overseas stars in IPL 2026.
