MI opener Ryan Rickelton, who has been in some unbeaten form since returning to the playing eleven following Quinton de Kock’s injury, has claimed that he was abused by his teammate after missing the chance to score his second century of the season.
Mumbai Indians are struggling for form this season as they have managed to score only 6 points after playing 10 matches this season. They are ninth on the points table and mathematically out of the race for the playoffs this season with only four matches left in the season.
However, Mumbai faces a huge dilemma on their batting front, as no more than four foreign cricketers are allowed in the playing eleven in the IPL. However, MI has a high-quality group of overseas cricketers who have dominated more than their Indian players this season.
“It’s been tough,” Ryan Rickelton explains about the battle for top spot in MI playing XI
Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock are competing for the same spot in Mumbai Indians’ playing XI; However, off the field, both the South African players have a close relationship with each other.
“I believe it was difficult to put a guy of Quinney’s caliber on the bench at the beginning of the season. It was difficult to manage it mentally because you might be burning yourself under a bit more pressure to do well because you have a guy who is performing well sitting behind you, and the whole world is screaming for him to be picked.
“So, there are some challenges trying to recover from that and you can put yourself under a little bit more pressure. But the flip side of it is that I got an opportunity when he did some damage to his hand,” he said.
“He was the first person who abused me tonight,” Ryan Rickelton made a big revelation after the win against LSG
After Quinton de Kock was ruled out with a serious wrist injury, Ryan Rickelton was expected to return to the playing eleven. He revealed that he shares an excellent bond with Quinton de Kock and was the first one to ‘abuse’ him when he got out before completing a century.
“And I still support my game, I still support my skills, and the opportunity was there. I really want to try to represent this team at the world level as well, but in general this team is Mumbai Indians. So, it’s always healthy competition. We are very supportive of each other.
He further added, “I mean, he was the first person to abuse me tonight and say I bowled a century, which I agree with. So, yes, he’s very supportive.”
Ryan Rickelton reveals how QDK is helping him improve his batting skills
Since his return to the playing eleven, he has scored 243 runs in the last three matches and his average is 121.5. With 380 runs in eight matches, he is also the leading run-scorer for Mumbai Indians this season.
He is striking at a tremendous strike rate of 190+. Since the T20 World Cup, he has been trying to retain his place, with Quinton de Kock back in the mix following his return from international retirement. Ryan Rickelton has now revealed that De Kock has been helping him a lot in improving during this tournament.
He concluded, “He’s helped me a lot in this tournament. He’s watched my batting and he’s been changing things to help. I’m not sure what the structure is. So, yes, it’s the same way it’s worked so far.”
Also read: Glenn Maxwell confirms return to 50-over cricket despite ODI retirement
