south african batsman Ryan Rickelton He has revealed the whirlwind journey that led to his inclusion in the Proteas' ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 squad after being initially left out. And why he plans to rely on his Indian Premier League (IPL) experience to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026, Starting from 7th February.
Left out of the Proteas' preliminary World Cup squad, Rickelton was enjoying a well-earned break at the end of the SA20, including holidays and time at home, when he suddenly received a call informing him that he had been included in South Africa's World Cup squad after Tony De Zorzi failed to recover from injury in time.
“I actually went on holidays for a while, and then got a call saying 'Your holidays are over. You're coming back.' And it wasn't what he expected. I had planned a really good month here with the Lions domestically and it's nice to be at home. I've also recently moved house, so the opportunity to be at home for a while was quite exciting for me, but going to the World Cup as well as representing South Africa is always a huge honor “But it's been a bit of a mixed experience (of emotions) for me,” ESPNcricinfo quoted him as saying.
While the wicketkeeper-batsman has had a mixed international tour in subcontinent conditions, including a few nil in ODIs in India last year, he believes his time in the IPL, where he represented Mumbai Indians, will be a vital asset in a World Cup environment. Rickelton performed well with the Mumbai team till 2025 and scored 388 runs in 14 innings including three fifties.
Rickelton said, “I probably need to focus a bit more on my IPL experience. It was one-day cricket where I was struggling. I think I've got a bit of experience from the IPL, with the pressure, I'm familiar with the grounds and probably a lot of the players I'll be coming up against.”
In ICC events, everything gets magnified: Rickelton
The stumper-batsman further explained what the atmosphere and emotions will be like during the T20 Mahakumbh, especially when it will be held in India.
“At ICC events, everything is heightened. Especially IndiaWhere cricket is a religion. The intensity with which the game is played is extreme. Everyone is ready for this, no matter what physical or mental condition you are in. Every country prepares for it, and every game is a big game,” he concluded.
If we talk about South Africa aiden markramThe -led team has been placed in Group D along with Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and UAE. They will start their campaign on February 9 against Canada.
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