South Africa’s T20I side is undergoing a transition, and Ryan Rickelton is ready to make his mark. With no Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, or Reeza Hendricks in the mix, the team is looking at fresh faces to lead the top order. Rickelton, along with fellow left-handed wicketkeeper Lhuan-dre Pretorius, could be at the forefront of this change.
Rickelton has already made waves in Tests and ODIs and even debuted in the IPL earlier this year. Now, he’s setting his sights on securing a long-term role in South Africa’s T20I setup. ‘I’m still trying to establish myself in the T20 side, but I don’t think there’ll be any expectation for me to change anything that I’ve been doing in these last two years,’ he said.
His goal? To claim the opening spot ahead of the T20 World Cup and beyond. ‘It’s just an opportunity for me to hopefully claim that opening spot for this South African side, going into the World Cup and further on past that,’ he added.
South Africa’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting August 10, will be a crucial test. Regular captain Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen’s experience in the lineup will provide stability, allowing Rickelton to play his natural game. ‘The way the team is structured fits the mould of how they want me to play too, so I’m pretty comfortable with what’s required,’ he noted.
Rickelton is known for his aggressive intent at the top. ‘I am always looking to land that first punch and get the side off to a good start no matter who’s alongside me at the top,’ he shared. The team will need that firepower as they enter a grueling eight-month stretch of cricket, including tours, World Cups, and franchise leagues.
The schedule is relentless. After the Australia series, South Africa heads to England for a white-ball tour, followed by the World Test Championship (WTC) in Pakistan, a full tour of India, the SA20, a home series against the West Indies, and finally, the T20 World Cup. Many players will then dive straight into the IPL, extending their cricket commitments to nearly 10 continuous months.
Rickelton, who skipped Major League Cricket (MLC) this year, is already learning to balance workload and fitness. ‘This was my first IPL year, and it’s long three months in India which can really stretch you, mentally more than anything,’ he admitted. Managing the mental grind is key. ‘Once you get to the groove of playing a lot of cricket, it can be really nice when you’re playing quite well, but it can also be quite dark if you’re not playing too well.’
After a six-week break post South Africa’s WTC win at Lord’s in June, Rickelton is refreshed and ready. Meanwhile, Pretorius has stayed busy, making his Test debut against Zimbabwe and scoring a century while shuffling between batting positions in T20Is. Rickelton isn’t fazed by his own slow return to form. ‘I haven’t been hitting the ball too well these last couple of days, but I’m not too worried. It will take a few more sessions for me to get going.’
With the break over, South Africa enters a critical phase under head coach Shukri Conrad, featuring two ICC tournaments and a new WTC cycle. The upcoming matches against Australia will set the tone. ‘If we can put a good foot forward and play quite well and match what we want to try and replicate in a few months’ time, especially against quality opposition, that’s really important,’ Rickelton emphasized.
The team is focused on winning and solidifying their roles. ‘We’re looking forward to obviously cementing our own places and playing well for South Africa,’ he said. The road ahead is tough, but Rickelton is determined to seize his opportunity.