Lhuan-dre Pretorius, retained by RR, wants to leave a legacy behind

Lhuan-dre Pretorius is on a dream run. Only last year did the wicketkeeper-batter play the Under-19 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top-scorer with 287 runs. And now, in just a year and a half, the 19-year-old has already represented South Africa across formats, become the country’s youngest to score a 150 on Test debut—and the fastest for South Africa in 157 balls—and has been retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2026.

For someone who still says he lies in bed wondering how he ended up opening the innings with Quinton de Kock, Pretorius has had a career that seems to be running ahead of his age. Currently with South Africa-A for the three-match one-day series against India-A at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, the highly-rated youngster spoke to  Sportstar after a never-ending net session on the eve of the second game.

Q: You didn’t seem to want to get out of the nets…

A: I love batting, so it’s hard to get me out. Coach actually told me “last ball”—I didn’t get an option. It was fun. It’s my first time in Rajkot, but not the first time in India. The lights were beautiful in training; I really enjoyed it.

Since the IPL 2025, you’ve been travelling around the subcontinent—Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India. How have the last 2–3 months been?

Really good. I’m grateful I’ve been to all four countries. Each has something unique. I love India; it’s close to my heart. I’m not too far from Jaipur as well, where the Rajasthan Royals are based. It’s lovely being here, and I’m excited for the series.

You got retained today. How do you feel about that?

Really happy and excited. It’s a dream come true. Unfortunately, Sanju Samson’s gone now, but Ravindra Jadeja is a legend. Playing with guys like (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and Riyan (Parag), whom I’ll be playing against tomorrow… It’s amazing. Super excited.

READ: Sanju Samson traded to CSK, Ravindra Jadeja returns to RR

Despite being 19, you were not the youngest in your IPL team. How was being with Vaibhav Suryavanshi like?

They included me really nicely. The first time I joined as a replacement (of Nitish Rana), I sat next to Vaibhav on the flight and wondered how the two youngest players were sitting in front while the seniors were at the back. I still chat with Vaibhav often; in fact, I was chatting with him this morning.

ALSO READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi scores joint-second fastest T20 hundred by an Indian in Rising Stars Asia Cup

And how was your coach, Rahul Dravid, like?

He was really good. He spoke to me about my game and even messaged and called me after the IPL—about where I stand and the plan going forward. Unfortunately, he won’t be the coach this year. He’s a great guy, and I’d like to stay close to him.

You’re often linked with Quinton de Kock, your role model, and you opened with him in the Pakistan series. What was that like?

I get this question a lot and still don’t know how to answer it. I’m lost for words. I still lie in bed some nights thinking, “Wow, that actually happened.” I was nervous. I came off a duck in the T20s (vs Pakistan), but he calmed me down, told me to play naturally, and trust my instincts. Off the field, we talk cricket: what he’s learned and what I can improve. I want to fill his shoes one day. That will take hard work.

What’s the one trait of his you admire most?

His calmness. On the field, he looks like he doesn’t care, but he cares a lot. We once spoke about World Cups—he got emotional talking about losses. It showed how much playing for South Africa means to him. His shot selection, clarity, decision-making… everything reflects that calmness.

How was it facing him when you played in SA20?

I remember facing him in SA20 and being starstruck. Couldn’t even look back when he was keeping. Now that I know him a bit, it’ll be exciting. I’d like to think we’ve built a bit of a friendship.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: Slots left for all 10 teams ahead of auction

You’re 19. Did you expect to play all formats for South Africa so early?

No, I did not. But I think everyone’s journey is different from mine. I was fortunate that mine happened really quickly. I just had to make sure I was ready before each game and every series—I tried my best to do that. Was I ready before every series? I think so. Performances may not have been there, but I just worked harder.

What difference have you noticed coming in from the U-19 level?

International cricket is definitely a different level—that’s what I’ve experienced now; it’s hard. You can train as hard as you want for it, but it’s next level when you’re out there. It’s your skill versus the bowler’s skill, and it’s tough. That’s why it’s called international cricket. It takes everything; your technique, mental space, and everything else are tested. I’ve just tried to be ready before every game.

How was playing Test cricket?

I think in Test cricket, compared to four-day cricket back home, they bowl a bit quicker, and they keep that energy consistent throughout the day, both innings, and all spells. From the first spell to the last, the energy is exactly the same as that first ball. In domestic cricket, I feel the first ball has good energy, and then after that, it keeps slowing down. In white-ball cricket as well, you get very few bad balls, so you have to figure out your game and have a game plan to score off a good ball.

You recorded one of the fastest 150s in Tests. Did you know about that record prior to achieving the feat?

Only after the game. It was crazy. A lot of things happened so quickly for me. I didn’t know how to take it all in. But yeah, records are records; they come and go. But I want to leave a legacy. And I want to be the best version of myself.

What do you want the next 2-3 years to look like?

I don’t look too far ahead. I just want to score runs wherever I play, work hard off the field, and stay present. What’s meant to be will be.

What’s your motivation for this series?

I just want to score as many runs as possible and help the team win. That’s my mindset every game: add value where I can.

And score at a very good rate?

They have an international bowling attack; it’s really skilful. We are up against proper bowlers. I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a new challenge for me. And a new challenge for everyone. Conditions will determine how I will bat.

Published on Nov 15, 2025