South African teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius has arrived in Jaipur to join the Rajasthan Royals squad as a replacement for the injured Nitish Rana. The 19-year-old left-handed batter and wicketkeeper was signed by the Royals after Rana was ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2025 season due to a calf injury.
Pretorius has been making waves in South African domestic cricket. He was the leading run-scorer for South Africa U19 at the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, amassing 287 runs in six games at an average of 57.40. In the 2025 SA20 league, he made a remarkable debut for the Paarl Royals, scoring 97 runs off 51 balls against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Despite Rajasthan Royals being out of playoff contention with only three wins in twelve matches, Pretorius' inclusion adds fresh energy to the squad. The team is set to face Punjab Kings on May 18 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The match is scheduled to start at 3:30 PM IST.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius' arrival is seen as a strategic move by the Royals to invest in young talent and build for the future. Fans will be eager to see if the young South African can make an immediate impact in the IPL.
IPL 2025 To Resume From May 17, Revised Schedule Announced; Check Qualifiers & Final Dates
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the remaining matches of the TATA IPL 2025 will begin from May 17. A total of 17 matches will be played across six venues, with the final scheduled for June 3.
This decision was taken after careful discussions with the government, security agencies and other key stakeholders. The revised schedule also includes two double-header matches, both on Sundays.
Playoff Schedule:
Qualifier 1: May 29
Eliminator: May 30
Qualifier 2: June 1
Final: June 3
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The BCCI thanked the Indian armed forces for their courage and support, which made it possible for the tournament to continue. The Board also said it remains committed to the country’s safety while ensuring a successful end to the league.
