Ryan Rickelton Eyes T20 World Cup Boost from IPL Experience

South African wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton believes his experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will significantly benefit him during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Rickelton has been called up to the national squad following Tony de Zorzi‘s inability to recover from a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong IPL season with the Mumbai Indians, where he aims to leverage that experience on the world stage.

While on holiday after the conclusion of the SA20 season, Rickelton received the call to join the T20 World Cup team. “I actually went on holiday for a bit, and then got a call saying ‘Your holiday’s over,’” he shared during a media briefing in Cape Town. This unexpected turn of events has left Rickelton feeling a mix of excitement and surprise at the opportunity to represent his country in a World Cup.

Despite having struggled in previous One Day Internationals (ODIs) against India, where he recorded two ducks in as many matches, Rickelton is determined to make an impact. He notably scored a century in a match against Pakistan, which has bolstered his confidence as he prepares for the T20 World Cup.

Leveraging IPL Success

Rickelton’s performance in the IPL 2025 season was noteworthy, as he amassed 388 runs in 14 innings, including three half-centuries, while achieving an impressive strike rate of 150.97. Although he opened the batting during the IPL, he anticipates slotting in at No. 3 for South Africa, with Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram expected to take the top two spots.

“I don’t know where I’m going to bat, if I am going to be at the top two or three or wherever,” Rickelton remarked, showcasing his adaptability ahead of the tournament. As he mentally prepares for the challenge, he acknowledges that he had initially made peace with the possibility of being left out of the squad. “Mentally, I’d made peace with being left out and I didn’t think I’d be in this situation right now,” he stated.

Rickelton’s accomplishment as the only player to score multiple hundreds in the recent SA20 further highlights his readiness for the international stage. As the T20 World Cup approaches, he is eager to apply the skills and insights gained during his IPL tenure to help propel South Africa’s campaign in the tournament.

The T20 World Cup is set to commence in March 2024, with teams from around the globe vying for cricketing supremacy. As Rickelton and the South African squad prepare, all eyes will be on their performance and the potential impact of his IPL experience on the world stage.