Mumbai: If anyone had said before IPL 2026 that Ryan Rickelton will emerge as Mumbai Indians‘ A standout performer in a team full of superstars, that’s probably a long shot.Still, in a season where MI has largely floundered, its big guns misfiring, the left-handed South African opener has been a rare bright spot. Rickelton is MI’s highest run-scorer this season, scoring 380 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 190.95 – second among batsmen with 300-plus runs.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!His dream run began with a 43-ball 81, which included eight sixes, as MI chased their biggest ever IPL and snapped their long-standing jinx of losing early matches.He scored an unbeaten 123 off 51 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. On Monday, against Lucknow Supergiants, he scored 83 off 32, including eight sixes, to help MI chase down 229 – now their most successful chase – with ease.
Rickelton has been central to MI’s strong start, featuring three century opening contributions this season. Twice, he has made the big stands. Rohit Sharma. The pair put on 148 off 71 balls in the opening game against Kolkata Knight Riders, and then put on 143 off just 65 balls against LSG, making the chase a formality.Rickelton attributed the success to their “chemistry”. “Rohit is really good – that’s the chemistry there. It’s great to start a comeback with him. He’s been out for a while, and to see him come back and play so freely is special. We complement each other like a left and right pair,” he said.“Sometimes he steps up and puts pressure on me; sometimes it’s the other way around. It’s a treat to watch him bat all the way through – he plays shots that I can only dream of,” added Rickelton.South Africa also revealed that it has benefited from Rohit’s experience. “I’ve picked his brain a bit – not only about T20s, but about Tests and ODIs as well. It’s not always life-changing advice, but it’s about how he handles pressure, stays calm and supports his game. It’s special to bat with one of India’s greatest players,” he said.
Since 2025, Rickelton and Rohit have opened together 18 times, scoring a total of 825 runs, including three century stands and two fifties. Much of Rickelton’s success has come at the Wankhede Stadium, where he thrived under the lights. He now averages 54.50 in IPL matches with one century and four fifties. “I really enjoy batting here,” he said. The pitch has good pace, you get a lot of value for the shots and the ball really flies.Rickelton has also faced stiff competition from fellow countrymen. Quinton de Kock. He started the season ahead of de Kock, later partnered him when Rohit was injured, was dropped briefly, and then returned when de Kock suffered a wrist injury.“Having a player of Quinny’s caliber on the bench was difficult. It can put extra pressure on you, especially when everyone is calling for him to play,” Rickelton admitted.“Also, he has been very supportive. He was the first person to make fun of me for not scoring a century on the second night. He helped me a lot, watching my batting and suggesting little tweaks,” he added.
