🏏 Rickelton at Peace Outside SA T20 WC Squad Race

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Career-best 113 off 63, SR 179 in SA20 opener
2🏆 Joint-most 14 sixes in SA20 history
3💡 'At peace' despite de Kock WC priority
4🔮 Squad this week: SA20 key to Proteas entry
5💬 'Just enjoying the game again' – Rickelton

"Rickelton was left out of South Africa's most recent T20I squad for Quinton de Kock with the World Cup next on the calendar"

MI Cape Town opener Ryan Rickelton struck a career-best 113 off 63 in SA20 2026 opener but remains 'at peace' if excluded from South Africa's T20 World Cup squad, favoring Quinton de Kock. Dropped for recent T20Is, his ton keeps him in contention as selections loom this week. This mindset shift highlights maturity amid Proteas' selection dilemmas.

Rickelton, 27, exploded with 14 sixes in SA20 history's joint-highest, following 394 runs at 44.7 in last SA20. Omitted for de Kock's experience, his T20 strike rate 152 screams potential. SA's Group setup demands openers; Rickelton's form echoes Dewald Brevis's breakout.

Century Strike in Selection Spotlight

113 off 63 (SR 179) featured 10 fours, trumping prior best 82. SA20 stats: avg 35.6, but this innings rivals Faf du Plessis's 120. Technically, his pull-shot mastery on Cape Town bounce mirrors de Kock's aggression, pressuring selectors post England T20Is.

Squad Battle and SA20 Stakes

de Kock's recall prioritizes WC nous; Rickelton's axing reflects depth luxury. Implications: SA20 performances sway WC picks, boosting Proteas' campaign vs India, NZ.