Raynard van Tonder is a prominent South African cricketer whose career has been marked by significant achievements across various formats of the game. He began his professional journey with Free State, making his first-class debut in the 2016–17 Sunfoil 3-Day Cup. His early performances showcased his potential, leading to his List A debut shortly after, where he quickly established himself as a key player for the team.

In December 2017, van Tonder’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed captain of South Africa’s squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His outstanding performance in the tournament, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer for South Africa with 348 runs, earned him the title of the rising star of the squad by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This accolade highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and his potential for future success.

Continuing his ascent in the cricketing world, van Tonder was named in the Cricket South Africa Emerging Squad in July 2018. His remarkable innings of 250 not out against Gauteng in the 2018–19 CSA 3-Day Provincial Cup further solidified his reputation as a formidable batsman. He also excelled in the 2019–20 CSA 4-Day Franchise Series, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 843 runs in just eight matches.

In February 2024, van Tonder made his Test debut against New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in his career. Despite a challenging start, he demonstrated resilience by scoring 31 runs in his second innings. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a bright future in international cricket, making him a player to watch in the coming years.