3 Reasons Ryan Rickelton Will Be Key For Mumbai Indians In IPL 2025

Jatin∙ Updated: Jan 4 2025, 4:30 PM

Ryan Rickelton will play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Ryan Rickelton will play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

The IPL auction always throws up surprises, and Mumbai Indians unearthed a gem. For just ₹1 crore, MI snapped up South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, a player who’s been setting cricket fields on fire with his incredible form.

The left-hander has been a standout for MI Cape Town in SA20, and now he will be ready to bring the heat to IPL 2025. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Ryan Rickelton will be key for Mumbai Indians.

3. Only Reliable Wicketkeeper-Batter In The squad

MI’s wicketkeeping options look thinner than a pancake. Rickelton is the only one in the squad who’s proven himself on big stages. Sure, they’ve got youngsters like Robin Minz and Shrijith Krishnan, but handing the gloves to a newbie in the IPL is like playing with fire. Enter Rickelton, the reliable, experienced, and explosive wicketkeeper-batter.

He’s likely to open with Rohit Sharma, and that’s a pairing worth getting excited about. Rickelton’s fearless starts can give MI a flying platform, letting Rohit play long knocks as an anchor. Imagine Rickelton smashing bowlers out of the park in the powerplay while Rohit holds one end steady: it’s a recipe for fireworks. His role at the top could set the tone for MI’s innings, and with his hitting power, he’s bound to rattle a few bowling attacks.

2. Red-Hot International Form

Rickelton isn’t just riding high; he’s soaring. Promoted to open in place of Tony de Zorzi, he hammered his maiden double century against Pakistan in the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town. That knock was a statement. The way he played showed confidence, flamboyance, and the kind of form players dream about.

If he carries this kind of international form into the IPL, MI fans are in for a treat. International form often speaks volumes about a player’s mindset, and Rickelton is laden with self-belief. Someone in this kind of form has the ability to single-handedly turn games on their head.

1. Proven T20 Performer

Rickelton hasn’t made his presence just in Test cricket. The attacking southpaw’s T20 stats are equally brilliant if not more. In 2024, he lit up the SA20 and finished as the leading run-scorer with a whopping 530 runs in 10 matches at a mind-boggling strike rate of 173.77. He smashed 42 fours and 34 sixes, leaving bowlers scratching their heads and captains searching for answers.

In CSA’s domestic T20 Challenge, he was the second-highest run-scorer, again striking at an incredible rate. Rickelton isn’t just about consistency; he’s about organized chaos for bowlers who dare to challenge him. He knows how to bring his A-game in T20s, and with his experience and fearless batting, he’s tailor-made for the IPL.