Samson’s Replacement? Retained RR Teenager Slams 129 off 98 Balls In Unofficial ODI
How many generational talents can one team afford to have? Rajasthan Royals (RR) might have lost the services of Sanju Samson, but, despite that, there is no paucity of world-class top-order batters in the side. They retained South Africa teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius for peanuts (INR 30 lakh) and that is now starting to look like a ludicrous bargain.
Just days after retention, the talented 19-year-old showcased his talent and potential in the unofficial ODI series against India ‘A’ today as in the third unofficial ODI in Rajkot, the left-hander hammered 123 off just 98 balls opening the batting.
The explosive knock from Pretorius featured 9 fours and 6 sixes as he finished with a strike rate of 125.51. He was eventually dismissed by Prasidh Krishna, but, by then, the teenager had already strung together a 241-run opening stand alongside Rivaldo Moonsamy, who also hit 107, albeit off 130 balls.
All of 19 years of age, Pretorius was signed as an injury replacement last year by the Royals, as the youngster replaced Nitish Rana. He did not get a game in IPL 2025, but he’s in with a solid shout to get a decent run come IPL 2026, particularly with Samson having left the franchise. The fact that Pretorius is also a wicketkeeper, just like Samson, is a huge bonus for the side.
Pretorius has debuted in all three formats for South Africa already, and, earlier this year against Zimbabwe, he became the youngest batter in history to post a 150+ score. Earlier this month, he also slammed a fifty on ODI debut against Pakistan, opening the batting alongside the returning Quinton de Kock.
Meanwhile, in the same clash, India ‘A’ have already lost Ruturaj Gaikwad (25), Abhishek Sharma (11), Tilak Varma (11), and Riyan Parag (17) all cheaply, in pursuit of 326. India ‘A’ have already, however, taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match unofficial ODI series.
