Fresh off scoring a career-best 157, becoming a regular for his domestic and Mzansi Super League franchise, Ryan Rickelton is making his mark in South African cricket, writes Taskeen Khan.
The coronavirus has halted the cricket season but that never took away from Ryan Rickelton’s exceptional form in the Momentum One Day Cup.
A career-best 157 against the Cobras in Paarl was as a big boost for Ryan personally and gives the powers who are strategically and tactically formulating plans for the 2023 World Cup, a serious contender to consider.
The wicketkeeper-batsman is just 23 and will be pushing hard for a top-order spot over the next few years.
One of our new contributors, Taskeen Khan, spent some time with the Imperial Lions wicketkeeper, to discuss his personal and career aspirations and she vouches for the fact that Ryan is a future star.
With his determination, great temperament and endearing personality he would fit right into a Proteas jersey and do the country proud.
How did this passion for cricket come about? Where did it all start for Ryan Rickelton?
“I don’t really know but I remember watching the MTN 40’s on TV and the Proteas. Having the training facilities at my disposal from a fairly young age gave me the opportunity to drag my dad down to the nets every morning and practice. Living at St Stithians and having access to those facilities allowed my interest to thrive.”
How did it progress from there?
“I looked forward to going to school and competing with my mates. We always challenged each other, had a healthy competition going. I made the Prep school Team, then made the first team in grade 6 and 7 and played in the UK which was a dream.
“Continual progression into my high school career and then headed out to New Zealand for a year to experience cricket there. Got back to South Africa, played a bit of amateur cricket and then broke into the top flight, which is where I am now and grateful for.”
You attended St Stithians, an elite academic and sporting school in the country. What makes them stand out? How did your teachers/coaches develop you into the man and cricketer that you are today?
“St Stithians is a powerhouse on both fronts and their sports programme, particularly cricket and water polo is fantastic. My dad actually started working at Saints, so I didn’t choose, I attended by default but I couldn’t be more grateful. I went through the ranks with amazing coaches, who have produced solid cricketers.
“Wim Jansen, Fergus Gray and my father played a crucial part in my developmental years and throughout my high school career. At Saints you play between 40 and 50 matches in a season and as a young kid that’s all you want to do, play and play. Everyone played a part in moulding me into who I am today and I had the opportunity to interact with incredible mentors, teachers and coaches along my journey.”
Kagiso Rabada is also a Saints alumni and you guys are just a year apart. What was it like playing with him at junior level? Do you guys maintain a close bond?
“Kage and I are good mates and we played together at school level. He was just too good for school sports, cricket in particular. It was an interesting time, he didn’t take too many wickets but kids were really in awe of his speed and action and he was definitely a feared bowler.
“Like I said he was too good (smiles and laughs). We still have a bond but I don’t get to see him that often as he is always travelling. The fact that I still get to play with him at domestic level and the MSL is a real treat.”
As one of the few specialist wicketkeeper batsmen and a class one at that – what do you think of your competition out there? The likes of Heinrich Klaasen and Kyle Verreynne?
“This space is intense and competition is tough. Klaasy has been playing incredibly well at international level and he deserves to be there. Kyle as well, very talented individual, knocks the ball all around, is very effective. At the end of the day, you just have to back yourself, believe in your skill and outperform the competition.
“There’s always going to be competition, it’s about doing the best that you can and hopefully your best is better than everyone else’s best. You have to keep looking forward.”
You still very young, do you have your heart set on a Proteas spot? Is there a long term plan in mind?
“I wouldn’t say I have a long term plan in mind but I would obviously love to play for the Proteas in all three formats. It is a tough industry but a dream I won’t give up on. If that doesn’t work out, I would love to travel around the world playing cricket, experiencing it in the UK, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand again.
“What I’ve also learnt along the way is that if you don’t make the Proteas squad it doesn’t necessarily mean you have had a bad career if you don’t play 50 Test matches for them. But, ya (laughing) right now I would love to play 50 Tests for the Proteas.”
You’ve played in both seasons of the Mzansi Super League. What was that like?
“The first season was incredible, unbelievable team, everyone got on well on and off the field. The team just gelled and it showed on the field. The results were incredible. The guys play out of their socks. We had Chris for both additions. The second season we struggled a little bit, we just couldn’t get it tactically right and everything was just falling apart for us, which was a pity.”
What was it like playing with the likes of Chris Gayle? What did the Gayleforce bring to the party?
“Having Chris around, obviously a world-class player, such a very nice guy, very chilled, humble, very down to earth maybe (laughs). He is a good bloke, knows what he wants to do, always happy to help teammates, gets the team going and gets the guys around him.
“Obviously draws a lot of attention and that’s just who he is, but he is a nice guy to have in the change room. He’s played 3 or 400 T20 games, has a whole lot of experience and a lot of things to share and teach you. Would love to have him around again.”
Finally, what’s your message to the youngsters out there that look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
“All I can say from my experience is that everyone starts at the same place and it’s all about the time and effort that you put in. It’s all fun, just make sure that you are enjoying the game and you’re enjoying what you do. Practice hard, Go out there and take wickets, make those runs!
“Hang in there even when it seems to get tough and make sure you never stop enjoying what you do because once you stop enjoying it, is when you kind of know that it might not be for you. Hang in there guys, it’s all worth it in the long run.”
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
