Ryan Rickelton Hopes IPL Exposure Will Help Him Shine on T20 World Cup Stage

Ryan Rickelton is excited after being called up as a replacement for Donovan Ferreira in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. He had initially lost hope after the selectors announced the first squad for the event, however, a recent injury to Donovan Ferreira during SA20 2026 paved the way for his inclusion in the team.

"I had planned a really nice month out here with the Lions, domestically and it's nice to be at home. I've also recently moved houses, so the opportunity to be at home for a bit was quite exciting for me, but it's always a massive honour to go to the World Cup and represent South Africa as well, so there's no hiding from that but it's been a bit of a mixed bag (of feelings) for me." said Ryan Rickelton.

Rickelton then said that he is trying to prepare himself mentally to take on various challenges coming ahead in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. While it is not a very big ask, it still requires his focus to clear all doubts in his mind.

"I've got to try and work through some things in my own head and how I want to go about it, and hopefully I can try and figure that out this week," said Ryan Rickelton.

"I probably need to lean a little bit more on my IPL experience. It was one-day cricket where I was struggling. I suppose I got a bit of experience with the IPL, with the pressure, I'm quite familiar with the ground and probably a lot of the players I'm going to come up against," added Ryan Rickelton.

He then spoke about the intensity of the South African team for the mega event, saying that the squad is ready to give their best by relying on their core skills.

"The intensity will be there, the attitude will be up there, the commitment from the group will really be good. If I can match and rival that, then hopefully I give myself the best chance as well as the team." concluded Ryan Rickelton.