Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, has had a remarkable rise in cricket. After finishing as the top-scorer in the Under-19 World Cup last year, he quickly made his mark in international cricket by becoming the youngest South African to score a 150 on Test debut, achieving the feat in just 157 balls. His impressive performances have earned him a spot in the Rajasthan Royals team for IPL 2026.
Pretorius, who is currently playing for South Africa-A in a series against India-A, expressed his excitement about being retained by Rajasthan Royals and playing alongside talented players like Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite his young age, Pretorius has already gained valuable experience by traveling to various countries in the subcontinent and playing in different conditions.
Reflecting on his journey, Pretorius praised his role model Quinton de Kock for his calmness and leadership on the field. He also shared his experience of opening the innings with de Kock in a series against Pakistan, highlighting the valuable advice he received from the senior player.
Looking ahead, Pretorius remains focused on improving his game and contributing to his team’s success in the ongoing series. He emphasized the importance of being mentally and technically prepared for the challenges of international cricket and expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport. Overall, Pretorius’s journey serves as an inspiration for young cricketers aspiring to make their mark on the world stage.
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