Ryan Rickelton aims to use IPL experience to make most of unexpected T20 World Cup call-up

South African batter Ryan Rickelton has opened up on the whirlwind journey that led to his inclusion in the Proteas’ ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad after being left out initially. And why he plans to lean on his Indian Premier League (IPL) experience as he prepares for the upcoming ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026, starting February 7.

Omitted from the Proteas’ initial World Cup squad, Rickelton was enjoying a well-earned break at the end of the SA20, including a holiday and time at home, when he received the surprise call informing him that he had been added to South Africa’s World Cup squad after Tony de Zorzi failed to recuperate from his injury on time.

"I actually went on holiday for a bit, and then got a call saying 'Your holiday's over. You're coming back. And it was not what he expected at all. 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," he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

While the wicketkeeper-batter's international outings in subcontinental conditions have been mixed, including a couple of ducks in ODIs in India last year, he believes his time in the IPL, where he represented Mumbai Indians, will be a crucial asset in the World Cup environment. Rickelton enjoyed a solid 2025 with the Mumbai-based side, scoring 388 runs from 14 innings, including three fifties. 

"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," Rickelton added.

At ICC events, everything ramps up: Rickelton

The stumper-batter further explained what the atmosphere and emotions will be during the T20 extravaganza, especially when in India.

"At ICC events, everything ramps up. Especially in India, where cricket is a religion. The intensity of which the game is played goes through the roof. Everyone gets up for it, no matter what physical or mental state you're in. Every country gets up for it, and every game is a big game," he concluded.

Speaking of South Africa, the Aiden Markram-led side is placed in Group D, alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the UAE. They will open their campaign against Canada on February 9.