Ryan Rickelton Biography, Age, Career, Family, Religion, Stats & Net Worth
Ryan Rickelton is a professional South African cricketer known for his elegant left-handed batting and reliable wicket-keeping skills. A regular presence in South Africa’s Test, ODI, and T20 International sides, Rickelton has developed into one of the country’s dependable middle-order batters and a match-winning performer across formats.
In January 2026, Rickelton was drafted into South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad as a late replacement for injured players, highlighting his continued importance to the national setup.
Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan David Rickelton |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1996 |
| Age (as of Feb 2026) | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox (occasional) |
| Role | Wicket-keeper batter |
| Religion | Christianity (South African cultural background) |
| International Team | South Africa National Team |
Early Life and Background
Ryan Rickelton was born in Johannesburg and grew up in a sporting family keenly involved in athletics and cricket. Introduced to the game at a young age, he showcased a natural talent for batting and wicket-keeping at school and age-group levels.
He attended St Stithians College, where he excelled in school cricket, scoring numerous centuries and establishing himself as a leading young batsman. His early promise earned him spots in provincial youth teams and laid the foundation for his professional career.
Domestic & League Teams Career
Domestic Teams
- Gauteng — first-class debut in 2015 and consistent performer in all formats
- Lions / Imperial Lions — key player in South Africa’s domestic competition
International / Franchise Teams
- MI Cape Town (SA20) — standout performances, including centuries and prolific run-scoring in multiple seasons
- Mumbai Indians (IPL) — featured in the IPL with notable contributions in 2025
- Northamptonshire (County Championship) — short-term stint in England
- Yorkshire — first-class appearances in UK domestic competitions
His strong domestic record and franchise performances have solidified his reputation as a high-quality batter at various levels.
International Career
Ryan Rickelton made his Test debut in March 2022 against Bangladesh, showcasing his temperament and technique at the highest level.
He then went on to debut in ODIs in March 2023 against the West Indies, quickly establishing himself as a reliable middle-order run scorer.
Rickelton has represented South Africa across all formats, with notable achievements including:
- Scoring his maiden Test double century (259) against Pakistan in January 2025.
- Recording a maiden ODI century (103) against Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy.
In early 2026, he was added to South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad to strengthen the batting lineup after injuries to fellow players.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ryan Rickelton is a technically sound left-handed batter known for his classical stroke play and ability to build long innings. He combines patience with controlled aggression, making him effective in all formats.
Key Strengths:
- Strong technique against pace and spin
- Wicket-keeping skills add balance to the team
- Proven run scorer in domestic, franchise, and international cricket
- Ability to anchor innings or accelerate based on match situations
His versatility makes him valuable across formats and match conditions.
Career Statistics
Stats updated till February 2026 (approximate)
Test Statistics
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Matches | ~15 |
| Runs | ~897 |
| Batting Average | ~37.00 |
| 100s/50s | 2/1 |
| Highest Score | 259* |
ODI Statistics
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Matches | ~17 |
| Runs | ~454 |
| Batting Average | ~28.37 |
| 100s/50s | 1/1 |
| Highest Score | 103 |
T20 International Statistics
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Matches | ~21 |
| Runs | ~513 |
| Batting Average | ~27.00 |
| Highest Score | ~77* |
Franchise T20 (SA20 & IPL) Summary
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Matches | ~20+ |
| Runs | ~700+ |
| Highest Score | 113 (SA20) |
Overall Career Summary
Ryan Rickelton’s cricket journey exemplifies modern batting excellence. From early domestic success to defining international performances, he has developed into a key South African cricket figure. His ability to play big innings under pressure — including a double century in Tests and centuries in ODIs and franchise T20s — highlights his quality and adaptability.
Family and Personal Life
Ryan comes from a sports-oriented family in Johannesburg, where both his parents supported his cricketing ambitions from a young age. His father, a former cricketer, played a significant role in guiding his early development, and his mother was active in competitive squash.
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2026):
USD 2 million – 4 million (approx.)
Sources of Income:
- Cricket South Africa central contracts
- South African domestic cricket earnings
- SA20 franchise income
- IPL contract with Mumbai Indians
- Sponsorship deals and match fees
His participation in global T20 leagues and national team matches contribute significantly to his earnings.
Religion
Ryan Rickelton’s background reflects a Christian cultural context common among many South African athletes, though his personal faith remains a private matter and not extensively documented.
Lesser Known Facts
- Scored a Test double century (259) — one of the highest by a South African batter.
- First-class career features multiple centuries and strong averages.
- Leading run-scorer in SA20 multiple seasons for MI Cape Town.
Conclusion
Ryan Rickelton has emerged as one of South Africa’s most reliable batting talents, combining classical skill with modern aggression. From outstanding Test performances to key contributions in limited-overs formats and global T20 leagues, he is a cornerstone of contemporary South African cricket. With continued involvement in major tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Rickelton’s role remains central to the team’s success.
