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08 May 2025 - Jaipur, India. SA20's breakout star replaces injured Nitish Rana in RR squad. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a 19-year-old South African batsman and wicketkeeper, has joined the Rajasthan Royals to replace Nitish Rana, who would miss the rest of the 2025 Indian Premier League season owing to injury. Pretorius joins the Royals at his basic price of INR 30 lakh after impressing with his powerful batting in both domestic and franchise cricket.
The decision to bring in Pretorius follows Rana's withdrawal after he picked up a niggle that kept him out of RR's last fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. While not a long-term injury, the franchise has opted not to risk the left-hander any further this season. Rana ends his IPL 2025 campaign with 217 runs from 11 matches, striking at an impressive 161.94. His two half-centuries - a blistering 81 off 36 balls against Chennai Super Kings and a quick 51 against Delhi Capitals - were highlights in what has otherwise been a disappointing season for Rajasthan.
Pretorius is regarded as one of the most promising young players in the T20 circuit despite not having any caps. He initially attracted notice as South Africa's highest run scorer at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. He is a an opening batter and left handed wicket keeper. He kept up that form while playing for the Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20 season, finishing as the league's leading scorer of runs. In 12 games, he amassed 397 runs at a blistering strike rate of 166.81.
His 51-ball 97 versus Sunrisers Eastern Cape stands out as one of his most memorable tournament performances; it was praised for its strength, shot selection, and poise under duress. His ability to dominate the powerplay and maintain a high scoring rate throughout the innings has made him a prized asset in the shortest format.
Pretorius plays his domestic cricket for Titans in South Africa and has recently earned a deal with Hampshire for England's T20 Vitality Blast - marking his first overseas league stint outside of SA20. In 33 career T20 matches so far, he has scored 911 runs at a strike rate of 147.17 and an average of 27.60, with six half-centuries to his name.
Rajasthan Royals have struggled throughout IPL 2025, winning just three out of their 12 matches so far.Now that the squad has already been knocked out of the playoffs, they will concentrate on wrapping out the season well and evaluating potential future players. Because Pretorius played for the Paarl Royals, they have got the opportunity to try out a dynamic young player who is already familiar with the Royals' environment.
On May 12, RR will play their final two games against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai. On May 16, they will play Punjab Kings at home in Jaipur. It's unclear if Pretorius will have an opportunity to make his debut in either game, but his arrival undoubtedly injects new energy into RR's season finale.
