Rajasthan Royals batter Nitish Rana has been ruled out of IPL 2025 and a 19-year-old from South Africa, who has still not worn the international cap, joins the Royals for INR 30 lakh. Left-handed wicket-keeper batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius has been announced as his replacement after he was in the limelight with his performance in SA20 2025, where he became the highest scorer of the tournament. He accumulated 397 runs off 12 matches, hitting at a whopping 166.80. His finest innings included a stunning 97 in 51 balls while playing for Paarl Royals against Sunrisers Eastern Cape considered one of the greatest knocks in the tournament.
After his triumph in the SA20, Pretorius received a county cricket contract with Hampshire for the Vitality Blast, making his English domestic cricket debut. He also made an impact at the 2024 ICC U-19 World Cup, where he finished as South Africa’s leading run-scorer in the competition.
Nitish Rana’s Campaign Cut Short By Injury
Nitish Rana, who contributed with a couple of knocks for Rajasthan Royals this year, is injured and ruled out. His 81 from 36 balls against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati and 51 off 28 balls against Delhi Capitals in Delhi were among the high points of RR’s otherwise underwhelming season.
Playoff Hopes Dashed For RR
Rajasthan Royals have struggled through IPL 2025, securing just three wins out of 12 games. They are presently ninth in the table and their playoff prospects have been officially removed. Along with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, RR have been ruled out of contention for the top four.
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RR still have two matches left one against CSK in Chennai on May 12 and Punjab Kings in Jaipur on May 16. Though the outcome won’t influence the playoff scenario for them, they will aim to finish the season on a high note and try their new signing, Pretorius, in high-pressure T20 environment.
