Rajasthan Royals have signed South African youngster Lhuan-dre Gilbert Pretorius as a replacement for the injured Nitish Rana for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Pretorius, a 19-year-old left-handed opening batter and wicketkeeper, joins the Royals at his base price of INR 30 lakh.
Who is Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Lhuan-dre Gilbert Pretorius (born 27 March 2006 in Potchefstroom, South Africa) is a highly promising South African cricketer known for his left-handed batting and wicket-keeping skills. He plays domestic cricket for the Titans and the Paarl Royals in the SA20, and in 2025, he signed with Hampshire for the T20 Blast in England.
Career Highlights
- Youth & Early Career: Pretorius was South Africa’s leading run-scorer at the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, scoring 287 runs in six matches at an average of 57.40, including three half-centuries.
- Domestic Debut: He made his List A debut in September 2023 and his first-class debut in December 2024, scoring 120 on debut for the Titans.
- T20 Success: In the 2025 SA20, Pretorius scored a career-best 97 on debut for Paarl Royals and followed up with 83 in the Cape derby. He finished as the top run-scorer for his team with 397 runs, helping them reach the knockout rounds.
- International Franchise: Signed by Hampshire for the 2025 T20 Blast, reflecting his rising reputation.
Stats
| Format | Notable Achievements |
| U19 World Cup | 287 runs in 6 matches (Avg: 57.40) |
| First-Class | 120 on debut (Titans, Dec 2024) |
| SA20 (2025) | 120 on debut (Titans, Dec 2024) |
Personal Life
- Education: Attended St Stithians College and then Cornwall Hill College in Pretoria for his final year.
- Family: Has a younger brother, Vihan, also interested in cricket.
- Background: Known for his discipline, balancing academics and cricket throughout his school years.
Also Read: Who is Tristan Stubbs? Career, Stats & Girlfriend
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is a rising South African cricket star, celebrated for his batting and wicket-keeping, with standout performances at the U19 World Cup, domestic, and franchise levels. No details about his girlfriend are available in public sources.
