Pretorius takes Proteas snub in stride

Lhuan-dre Pretorius says Proteas coach Shukri Conrad made it clear he would not be selected for the T20 World Cup squad.

The big-hitting 19-year-old batsman may have been viewed by some as unlucky to miss out on the tournament in India and Sri Lanka next month, but he insists there is no bitterness.

“Obviously, the messages were really clear, which is cool,” Pretorius told SportsBoom.co.za. “Shukri Conrad is a very honest guy. He’s really open and not scared to tell you the truth and be open with you.”

Already capped in all three formats, Pretorius is widely regarded as a long-term Proteas prospect. An aggressive left-handed opener, he has continued to enhance his reputation during his third SA20 season and remains firmly on the national radar.

“Yeah, it would be nice to be part of the squad, but I’m still 19 years old and I’m still very young,” he added. “So, I’m just keen to learn, excited to learn, and see where my journey takes me. Still got lots of time ahead.”

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Pretorius was also quick to applaud the T20 World Cup selection of fellow teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka.

“It’s really cool. We’re quite good mates,” Pretorius said. “Unfortunately, he’s not with us at the Royals this year. I would have loved to have him here. I’m really, really stoked for him. I think he deserves it. He’s worked very hard.”

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Despite his youth, Pretorius has already built an impressive international CV, including a stunning 153 on Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year. Yet he admits the pace of modern cricket leaves little time for reflection.

“You play a lot of cricket right around the world. Don’t get many breaks after this; you’re straight back into domestic cricket,” he said. “The only time you get is when you’re in bed at night.”

Looking back, the scale of his early success still feels surreal.

“If you told me when I was 10 years old I’m going to play 20 internationals by the age of 19 for the Proteas and make my all-format debut, I would have taken it with both hands,” Pretorius said. “It’s really a dream come true.”