Heinrich Klaasen (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Heinrich Klaasen, the 27-year old South Africa wicket-keeper batsman could be a replacement for Australian Steven Smith in the Rajasthan Royals squad for the 2018 season. According to top sources in BCCI, the Rajasthan franchisee has suggested Klaasen’s name while Sunrisers Hyderbad have shown interest to sign Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Perera as replacement for David Warner.

“The Royals are looking to sign Klaasen as replacement for Steve Smith. They might be looking at other cricketers as well. But this is what the franchisee has shown interest in right now,” a top IPL official told TOI on Thursday.

Australian cricketers Smith and Warner were banned for one year by Cricket Australia on Wednesday for ball tampering during their South African series. Subsequently, they are also banned from playing in IPL by the Committee of Administrators in consultation with the BCCI office-bearers.

Sources said that the replacement process has already started and will be announced soon. However, both the franchises were not available for comments when TOI approached them.

Klaasen wasn’t in the 578 list of players that went under the hammer. But he was a part of the extended list. He also played ODIs and T20s for South Africa and specially produced some specials knocks against Indian wrist spinners like Yaduvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.

Whereas, Perera, the opening bat who can also keep the wickets, has played IPL way back in 2013 for the Rajasthan Royals. As per the rules, the request for replacement player will now go to the IPL management for further ratification before the players are officially named for their respective squad.

