Ryan Rickelton’s return to the Mumbai Indians XI came after a spell of inconsistency in which he managed only three single-digit scores across five outings. His previous appearance had been on April 16, but on Wednesday he made his comeback count against Sunrisers Hyderabad, firing the fastest century ever struck by an MI batter to help the franchise post 243 for five in a must-win IPL encounter at the Wankhede Stadium.
The South African batter carried his bat through the innings, remaining unbeaten on 123 off just 55 balls. His knock included 10 fours and eight sixes, providing the backbone for MI’s chase of parity on a surface that offered plenty for batting. Rickelton’s 123* also became the third century of his IPL franchise career, with the other two arriving earlier in SA20 for MI Cape Town, as Mumbai made an urgent push to turn their season around with their highest total of the campaign so far.
For Mumbai, Rickelton’s 123* was the top score by an MI batter, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya’s 114* (vs Chennai Super Kings in 2008). In addition, the knock placed him among the leading run-getters for MI in the innings, with names like Jayasuriya, Quinton de Kock (112*), Rohit Sharma (109* and 105*), and Suryakumar Yadav (103*) featuring in that elite list.
Rickelton reached the century mark in 44 deliveries—the quickest for any Mumbai batter in IPL history. He also eclipsed Jayasuriya’s previous 45-ball milestone set in 2008 against CSK.
Using the long handle with confidence, Rickelton rarely offered anything soft for the bowlers to latch onto. He played his shots with purpose rather than taking unnecessary chances, keeping the innings on track even as the required tempo rose.
While Rickelton anchored the innings, he received strong support from England opener Will Jacks, who struck 46 off 22 balls, and from MI captain Hardik Pandya, who finished with 31 off 15 deliveries, including 2 fours and 2 sixes.
With a fresh opening partner in Jacks, Rickelton brought the aggression and urgency MI had been missing for much of the season. The duo produced 78 runs in the powerplay and added 93 for the first wicket in seven overs, establishing a fearless platform right from the start.
Just as important, Rickelton stayed at the crease for the long haul. His innings acted as the stabilising force that held Mumbai together, continually driving them toward a total that looked competitive and, eventually, commanding.
After launching a big six over midwicket off Praful Hinge (2/54) in the second over, Rickelton kept the momentum going. He completed his maiden half-century in 23 balls, then moved to the next fifty in only 21 more deliveries, ensuring MI never lost the pressure they had created.
Rickelton’s momentum also helped Mumbai bounce back from a quieter patch in the middle overs, during which they lost Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav (5), and then Naman Dhir (22). Even so, the foundation laid by the opening surge and Rickelton’s steady accumulation left MI well positioned.
Jacks, in his first outing of the season, contributed with three maximums and five boundaries. By contrast, there were still no clear signs that Suryakumar Yadav had found his rhythm, as he was dismissed by Eshan Malinga (1/29). The T20I captain attempted the short ball, but the bounce did not sit right—his edge flew straight to Abhishek Sharma at fine leg.
Dhir, too, struggled to match the scoring pace from the other end as Rickelton continued to press forward. Rickelton eventually fell to Hinge in the 14th over, but the damage had already been done, with MI reaching a formidable total.
After taking the field, Mumbai Indians players wore black armbands in memory of the daughter of a member of their support staff, who had passed away unexpectedly.
