Rickelton has featured in three century opening partnerships this season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHis breakthrough spell kicked off with a scorching 81 off 43 balls, laced with eight maximums, as MI completed what they described as their biggest-ever chase in the IPL. The win also broke a long-standing pattern of MI dropping opening matches. From there, he carried the form into the next challenge, producing a dominant 123 not out from just 51 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Rickelton turned up the aggression again against Lucknow Super Giants, blasting an 83 off 32 balls\u2014this time with eight sixes\u2014to help MI chase down 229. That target chase became MI\u2019s highest successful run chase in IPL history, with the job finished comfortably. Across the season, he has been central to MI\u2019s strong beginnings, appearing in three century-opening stands so far.<\/p>\n
In fact, twice Rickelton has built big partnerships with Rohit Sharma at the top. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, the duo added 148 runs in 71 balls in the opening match. They followed it with a 143-run opening alliance in only 65 balls versus LSG, turning that chase into a straightforward pursuit.<\/p>\n
\u201cChemistry\u201d with Rohit<\/h3>\n
Rickelton pointed to their batting \u201cchemistry\u201d as a key reason behind the early impact. He said Rohit\u2019s quality is evident in how they combine, and noted it\u2019s special to be back opening with him. He also highlighted the left-right dynamic, adding that each of them complements the other well. Rickelton further explained that when Rohit finds rhythm quickly, it eases pressure on him\u2014and when the roles flip, he can take the cue and do the same.<\/p>\n
Watching Rohit bat in full flow, Rickelton said, is a treat because Rohit plays shots that Rickelton admits he can only dream of. He also revealed that the experience Rohit carries has been useful to him, describing how he has \u201cpicked his brain\u201d not only for T20 cricket but also for Tests and ODIs.<\/p>\n
Rickelton stressed that the guidance isn\u2019t always dramatic or instantly game-changing, but it helps him understand how to handle pressure\u2014how to stay composed and back his own approach. He called it \u201cspecial\u201d to bat with one of India\u2019s greatest, while also noting the partnership frequency: since 2025, Rickelton and Rohit have opened together 18 times, combining for 825 runs, including three century-opening stands and two fifties.<\/p>\n
Wankhede comfort factor<\/h3>\n
Much of Rickelton\u2019s output has come at the Wankhede Stadium, where he has thrived under the lights. At the venue, he averages 54.50 across 12 IPL matches, with one century and four half-centuries to his name. He said he genuinely enjoys batting there, pointing to the pace available on the wicket, the quality of shot-making, and the way the ball tends to fly once he gets going.<\/p>\n
Still, his season hasn\u2019t been without complications. Rickelton has faced stiff internal competition from compatriot Quinton de Kock, and his place in the XI has shifted at different stages. Rickelton began the campaign ahead of de Kock, later batted alongside him when Rohit was injured, then experienced a brief drop, and returned when de Kock picked up a wrist injury.<\/p>\n
Competition and support<\/h3>\n
Rickelton admitted that it has been difficult to have a player of de Kock\u2019s calibre sitting on the bench, saying it can create extra pressure because everyone keeps pushing for his inclusion. At the same time, he acknowledged de Kock\u2019s support, explaining that de Kock was the first to joke about Rickelton missing out on a hundred the other night.<\/p>\n
He also said de Kock has helped him a lot by watching his batting and suggesting small adjustments. With Rickelton\u2019s form acting as MI\u2019s most reliable spark, the spotlight on him is only likely to grow as the season continues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MUMBAI: If anyone had suggested before IPL 2026 that Ryan Rickelton would become the standout for a Mumbai Indians side brimming with star names, it…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: Rickelton\u2019s Runs Keep MI Afloat, Rohit Struggles","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ryan Rickelton\u2019s blistering 380 runs keep Mumbai Indians afloat in IPL 2026, while Rohit\u2019s struggles leave MI searching for answers.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n
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