IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals reveal replacement for injured Nitish Rana

Rajasthan Royals have announced the signing of South African youngster Lhuan-dre Pretorius as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to injury.

Pretorius, a 19-year-old left-handed opening batter and wicketkeeper, joins the Royals for INR 30 lakh. While he is yet to make his international debut, he gained widespread attention during the SA20 2025 tournament. Playing for Paarl Royals, Pretorius finished as the top run-scorer with 397 runs at a strike rate of 166.80 in 12 matches. His standout knock came when he smashed 97 off just 51 balls against Sunrisers Eastern Cape — one of the most memorable innings of the season.

Following his success in the SA20, Pretorius earned his first county contract with Hampshire for the Vitality Blast. He was also South Africa’s highest run-getter at the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup.

Nitish Rana had a short but notable run with RR this season. He played two key innings — a 36-ball 81 against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati and a 28-ball 51 against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. Unfortunately, an injury has cut his season short.

With only three wins from 12 matches, Rajasthan Royals have already been knocked out of playoff contention, along with Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. RR currently sit ninth in the 10-team table.

The Royals are scheduled to play their last two games of the season against Chennai Super Kings on May 12 in Chennai and against Punjab Kings on May 16 in Jaipur.