Mumbai Indians (MI) might rue letting Ishan Kishan go. Despite his inconsistent performances, he was a crucial cog in the team, opening the batting with Rohit Sharma and taking the wicket-keeping responsibilities. But at the IPL 2025 mega auction, MI couldn’t get him back. Instead, they brought South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, who will be under scanner come the SA20 2025. Playing for MI’s sister franchise, MI Cape Town, Rickelton’s form will be the one to watch out for the Mumbai team as they want a strong opening partner to Rohit.
MI eye Ryan Rickelton as Ishan Kishan replacement
MI have some gaps in their IPL 2025 team. They have to depend on Rickelton as a wicketkeeper, whose glovesmanship isn’t renowned. MI don’t have superb wicket-keeping options. They either have Rickelton or unproven Indian talents like Robin Minz and KL Srijith. Moreover, Will Jacks is there, whose best batting position is as an opener. If they play Rohit alongside Jacks, then Rickelton is a waste in the middle-order, with Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya waiting in the wings. With that, they have to play either Srijith or Minz.
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Due to this, Rickelton’s T20 form would be under scanner. SA20 2025 would be of massive importance for the southpaw, who recently made a match-winning 259 against Pakistan in Cape Town. Now, he would open the innings alongside Reeza Hendricks or Rassie van der Dussen, and MI would hope he has a superb campaign. Last year, Ricketlon had a superb SA20 season, making 530 runs at an average of 58.89 at an impeccable strike rate of 173.77. He needs to continue with his stellar form, as his performances in the SA20 would be in the hearts of MI fans as the IPL 2025 beckons in two months.
Ryan Rickelton stats at SA20 2024 for MI Cape Town
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Average | SR | 100s | 50s | Fours | Sixes |
| 2024 | 10 | 530 | 98 | 58.89 | 173.77 | 0 | 5 | 41 | 34 |
