Mumbai Indians secured their first win of IPL 2025 in emphatic fashion, comfortably chasing down a modest 117-run target set by Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. While Mumbai’s bowlers set up the victory by bundling out Kolkata for just 116, it was Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational batting that stole the spotlight.
Ryan Rickelton, who played a steady role in Mumbai’s chase, could not hide his admiration for Suryakumar’s audacious stroke play. Reflecting on the match, Rickelton was left in disbelief at a particular shot that saw Suryakumar scoop a wide off-stump delivery over fine leg, leaving even Andre Russell astonished.
“I just said to Quinny when he walked past that he (Suryakumar) is a joke. Stuff that I can only dream of. He has played that shot a million times – it is a unique shot and not going to try it anytime soon, but glad he is on our team,” Rickelton remarked after the match.
Suryakumar’s cameo, a blistering 9-ball 27, included a towering six off Russell in the 13th over, sealing Mumbai’s first points of the season after two consecutive defeats. Rickelton, entrusted with the dual responsibilities of opening the batting and wicketkeeping, has had a steady start to his IPL career. On Monday, he capitalized on the opportunity, anchoring one end and ensuring stability in the small chase.
“Took my time, couldn’t lay bat on ball to be honest, had to wait for my opportunity. The ball was nibbling around. Chatting to the guys in South Africa, it did a bit and looking forward to maximising on the pace which was offered today,” he shared during the post-match presentation.
With this eight-wicket victory, Mumbai Indians have finally opened their account in IPL 2025, aiming to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.
