The blossoming of Klaasen on the international stage in 2018 was one of the highlights of the season for the Titans. Given the number of matchwinning performances, across all formats, he has delivered for the franchise since making his debut in 2014, it seemed obvious the wicketkeeper/batsman has what it takes to succeed for the Proteas.

Unfortunately he then chose an awful time to lose form and he missed out on the World Cup spot that had been pencilled in for him. But it’s not as if as he had a terrible season – in the couple of four-day games he played for the Titans he still averaged 46.75 and he averaged 40.40 in the triumphant Momentum One-Day Cup campaign.

The product of Hoerskool Menlopark was a key member of the Tuks team that won international university titles and dominated club cricket in South Africa, and the ability of the quietly-spoken Klaasen to make runs when they were most needed saw him claim the title of the Titans’ player of the season for 2016/17.

The calmness of the 28-year-old at the crease stood out when he made his Proteas debut against India in 2018 and he has earned himself lucrative IPL contracts with the Rajasthan Royals and the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the process, and he also provides the extra benefits of tidy glovework, leadership ability as he has shown in captaining the Titans several times and some useful off-spin in 50-over cricket.