IPL 2026: Rickelton–Rohit duo the lone bright spot in Mumbai Indians’ fading campaign

MUMBAI: If someone had said before IPL 2026 that Ryan Rickelton would emerge as Mumbai Indians’ standout performer in a team packed with superstars, it might have sounded far-fetched.

Yet, in a season where MI have largely faltered, its big guns misfired, the left-handed South African opener has been a rare bright spot. Rickelton is MI’s leading run-scorer this season, with 380 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 190.95 — the second-best among batters with 300-plus runs.

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His dream run began with a 43-ball 81, featuring eight sixes, as MI pulled off their biggest-ever IPL chase and snapped their long-standing jinx of losing opening matches.

He followed it up with a blistering 123 not out off 51 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. On Monday, against Lucknow Super Giants, he smashed a brutal 83 off 32, including eight sixes, helping MI chase down 229 — now their highest successful chase — with ease.

Rickelton has been central to MI’s strong starts, featuring in three century opening partnerships this season. Twice, he has forged big stands with Rohit Sharma. The pair added 148 in 71 balls in the opening game against Kolkata Knight Riders, and followed it up with a 143-run stand in just 65 balls against LSG, making the chase a formality.

Rickelton credited their “chemistry” for the success. “Rohit is just really good — that’s the chemistry right there. It’s great to be back opening with him. He’s been out for a bit, and to see him return and play so freely is special. We complement each other well as a left-right pair,” he said.

“Sometimes he gets going quickly and takes pressure off me; sometimes it’s the other way around. Watching him bat in full flow is a treat — he plays shots I can only dream of,” Rickelton added.

The South African also revealed that he has benefited from Rohit’s experience. “I’ve picked his brain a bit — not just about T20s, but Tests and ODIs too. It’s not always life changing advice, but it’s about how he handles pressure, stays calm and backs his game. It’s special to bat with one of India’s greatest,” he said.

Since 2025, Rickelton and Rohit have opened together 18 times, aggregating 825 runs, including three century stands and two fifties. Much of Rickelton’s success has come at the Wankhede Stadium, where he has thrived under lights. He now averages 54.50 at the venue in 12 IPL matches, with one century and four fifties. “I really enjoy batting here. There’s nice pace in the pitch, you get great value for shots and the ball really flies,” he said.

Rickelton has also had to deal with stiff competition from compatriot Quinton de Kock. He started the season ahead of de Kock, later partnered him when Rohit was injured, was briefly dropped, and then returned when de Kock suffered a wrist injury.

“It’s been tricky having a player of Quinny’s calibre on the bench. It can put extra pressure on you, especially when everyone is calling for him to play,” Rickelton admitted.

“At the same time, he’s been very supportive. He was the first to joke about me not getting a hundred the other night! He’s helped me a lot, watching my batting and suggesting small tweaks,” he added.

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