Rajasthan Royals have announced the signing of South African teenage batting prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorius as the replacement for the injured Nitish Rana for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Nitish Rana, acquired by the Royals for INR 4.20 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, has been ruled out due to an injury that sidelined him from recent matches, including the key fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders. In his 11 innings this season, Rana managed 217 runs at an average of 21.70, boasting an impressive strike rate of 161.94. He also notched up two half-centuries, offering flashes of his aggressive intent before being forced out.
To fill the void, the Royals have turned to 19-year-old Pretorius, who will join the squad for his base price of INR 30 lakh. The left-handed batter has emerged as one of the brightest talents in South African cricket, particularly after a breakout season in the SA20 2025 tournament. He topped the run charts with 397 runs in 12 innings, averaging 33.08 and striking at a fiery 166.81, including several standout performances against high-caliber bowlers.
His form continued in domestic competitions, particularly in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division One 2024/25, where he scored 316 runs in eight matches at an average of 45.14, with two centuries to his name. Pretorius also showcased his temperament in red-ball cricket, notching two centuries and a fifty in his last four first-class appearances.
Although Rajasthan Royals are already out of playoff contention with just three wins in 12 matches, Pretorius’ inclusion offers them a valuable opportunity to experiment and lay the groundwork for the 2026 season. The youngster’s aggressive style and consistent performances make him a promising addition to the franchise’s future plans.
This IPL stint could serve as a major stepping stone in Pretorius’ burgeoning career, exposing him to top-tier cricket and helping him adapt to high-pressure environments. For the Royals, it’s a chance to test emerging talent as they begin to refocus and rebuild after a disappointing campaign.
With two matches left in their season, Rajasthan fans may soon see Pretorius don the pink jersey and bring his powerful batting to the IPL stage.
