In a significant move for the struggling Rajasthan Royals, the franchise has signed young South African sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius as a replacement for the injured Nitish Rana in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The 19-year-old Pretorius, who has been making waves in the cricket world, will join the Royals for a fee of INR 30 lakh.
Pretorius' addition comes after Nitish Rana was ruled out for the remainder of the IPL season due to a calf injury. Rana has been a standout performer for the Royals this season, scoring 217 runs in 11 matches at an average of 21.70. His contributions included a spectacular 81 off just 36 balls against the Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati and a solid 51 off 28 balls against the Delhi Capitals in Delhi. Unfortunately, his injury has sidelined him, leaving a gap in the Royals' lineup.
Despite Rana's impressive performances, the Rajasthan Royals have had a tumultuous season, winning only three of their twelve matches, which places them ninth in the ten-team tournament. With their playoff hopes dashed, the team is now looking to finish the season on a high note with two matches remaining: one against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on May 12 and another against Punjab Kings in Jaipur on May 16.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius arrives at the Royals with significant accolades. He was the highest run-scorer in the SA20 2025, amassing 397 runs at an impressive strike rate of 166.80 in just 12 matches. His standout performance included a remarkable 51-ball 97 for Paarl Royals against Sunrisers Eastern Cape, which has been hailed as one of the season's best innings. Furthermore, Pretorius was South Africa's top run-getter at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, showcasing his potential at a young age.
In addition to his recent achievements in domestic cricket, Pretorius has also been signed by Hampshire for the Vitality Blast, marking his first county stint. This experience will undoubtedly add to his development as a cricketer and provide the Royals with a fresh talent to look forward to.
The Rajasthan Royals expressed their gratitude towards Nitish Rana for his contributions and wished him a speedy recovery. The team is now hopeful that Pretorius can step up and make a significant impact in the remaining matches.
As the Royals prepare for their upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on Pretorius to see if he can replicate his domestic success on the IPL stage. The franchise is eager to build momentum and end the season positively, despite the challenges they have faced this year.
With the IPL 2025 heading into its final stretch, the excitement is palpable as teams vie for position and players look to make their mark. The addition of Lhuan-dre Pretorius adds an intriguing layer to the Royals' strategy as they aim to finish strong in front of their home fans.
As the cricketing world watches closely, can the young talent help the Rajasthan Royals salvage some pride in the closing matches of the season? Only time will tell, but the Royals are certainly hoping for a bright finish with their new signing.
