Who is Ryan Rickelton? Proteas batter scores century against Afghanistan

South Africa’s left-handed batter, Ryan Rickelton, continued his impressive form in 2025, marking his maiden ODI century against Afghanistan on Friday in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Rickelton reached three figures in just 101 balls, surpassing his previous career-best score of 91, which he had achieved against Ireland in October 2024.

Rickelton’s stunning knock was a key highlight in South Africa’s innings, as he formed a crucial 129-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed with a steady 58 runs.

The duo put South Africa in a commanding position, and Rickelton’s performance played an important role in the team’s success.

Early Life and Domestic Career

Born on July 11, 1996, in Johannesburg, Ryan Rickelton developed a love for cricket early in life. He made his mark in domestic cricket, playing for the Lions in South Africa’s competitive franchise system.

Rickelton’s performances in tournaments like the CSA T20 Challenge, first-class cricket, and one-day matches earned him recognition as a reliable top-order batsman.

International Debut and National Team Journey

Ryan Rickelton made his debut for the South African national team in March 2022, joining the Test squad as a middle-order batsman.

His versatile technique, enabling him to play both spin and pace effectively, has made him a valuable addition to the squad. Over time, he has also been included in limited-overs teams, contributing depth and flexibility to South Africa’s batting line-up.

Rickelton’s Aspiration to Excel in All Formats

Acknowledging the challenges of performing across all formats, Rickelton expressed his determination to become a successful player in all three formats of the game.

He pointed to players like Travis Head and Rohit Sharma, who succeed by maintaining a consistent playing style. Rickelton also credited South African cricket legend Hashim Amla for providing invaluable guidance, particularly in refining his technique.

Amla encouraged him to focus on his off-side play and cover drives, with subtle technical adjustments made during training sessions, helping him evolve into a more rounded batsman.