IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals rope in Lhuan-dre Pretorius to replace injured Nitish Rana

The Rajasthan Royals have signed South African left-handed batter and wicketkeeper Lhuan-dre Pretorius as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 due to a calf injury.

Pretorius joins the Royals at his base price of INR 30 Lakh, as it was confirmed by the franchise on Thursday.

Who is Lhuan-dre Pretorius

Lhuan-dre Gilbert Pretorius, born on March 27, 2006, in Potchefstroom, South Africa, is an emerging talent in the cricketing world. A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, Pretorius has rapidly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his prowess in both domestic and international arenas.

Pretorius honed his skills at St Stithians College before transferring to Cornwall Hill College in Pretoria for his final school year. His cricketing journey gained momentum with the South Africa Under-19 team, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer for his country in the 2024 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, amassing 287 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 57.40.

Domestic Teams

Titans (South Africa), Paarl Royals (SA20), Hampshire (Vitality Blast)

Career Highlights

Leading run-scorer for South Africa U19 at the 2024 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup with 287 runs in six matches at an average of 57.40.

Scored a century (120) on his first-class debut for the Titans in December 2024.

Made a sensational SA20 debut for Paarl Royals in January 2025, scoring 97 runs off 51 balls against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Ended the 2025 SA20 season as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 397 runs in 12 matches at an average of 33.08 and a strike rate of 166.81.

Pretorius is known for his aggressive batting style and composure under pressure, traits that have drawn comparisons to established players like Quinton de Kock. His rapid rise through the ranks of South African cricket, highlighted by standout performances in domestic and international youth tournaments, marks him as a promising talent for the future.