Ryan Rickelton Praises Rohit Sharma After Mumbai Indians' Victory Over LSG

In a thrilling match at Wankhede Stadium, Ryan Rickelton lauded his opening partner Rohit Sharma after their successful partnership led Mumbai Indians to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Rickelton highlighted their unique chemistry and the strategic advantage of their left-right batting combination. With Sharma's impressive return from injury, the duo's performance was pivotal in chasing down a challenging target. Rickelton reflected on the valuable lessons learned from Sharma, emphasizing his calmness under pressure and his influence on his own growth as a player. Discover more about their dynamic partnership and MI's current standing in the IPL.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 08:51 IST

Rickelton's Admiration for Sharma Shines Through

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 5: Following a remarkable six-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Ryan Rickelton expressed his admiration for his opening partner, Rohit Sharma.

Rickelton, who formed a formidable 143-run partnership with Sharma, emphasized their exceptional synergy and shared his enthusiasm about playing alongside one of India's cricket legends.

After being sidelined for five matches due to a hamstring injury, Rohit, affectionately known as 'Mumbai cha Raja' (The King of Mumbai), showcased his batting prowess by chasing down a daunting target of 229 runs set by LSG, finishing with six wickets to spare. He scored an impressive 84 runs off just 44 balls, including six fours and seven sixes.

In the post-match press conference, Rickelton remarked, "Rohit is incredibly talented, and that chemistry is evident. It was fantastic to be back on the field with him after his time away. His free-flowing style of play is truly special."

He also highlighted the effective left-right batting combination they share, which enhances MI's batting strategy. "We complement each other well as a left-hander and right-hander. We target different areas, and we have a clear plan on how to apply pressure during the innings. The conditions at Wankhede are also favorable for batting," Rickelton noted.

Reflecting on his experience in the match, Rickelton expressed the joy of batting alongside Sharma and acknowledged his own development as a player. "It's always enjoyable to be out there, and I hope we can continue this partnership. Winning is our goal, but my priority is to contribute to MI's success," he stated.

Rickelton also shared insights he gained from Sharma during the early stages of his career. "In my first year, I learned a lot from him about batting in general, focusing on tests and 50-over formats, and the mindset required for success. He has a unique approach to the game," he explained.

He praised Sharma's composure under pressure and his confidence in his abilities. "He is one of the greatest players in cricket history. The advice he shares may not always be groundbreaking, but it often reinforces what you learn through experience. It's about how he handles pressure and maintains his calmness while understanding his game thoroughly," Rickelton added.

In conclusion, Rickelton expressed his gratitude for the chance to play alongside Sharma, saying, "It's always a privilege to bat with one of India's greats, and I hope to continue doing so for a long time."

MI chose to bowl first, and contributions from Nicholas Pooran (63 runs off 21 balls, including four fours and eight sixes), Mitchell Marsh (44 runs off 25 balls, with six fours and three sixes), and Himmat Singh (40* off 31 balls, with two fours and two sixes) propelled LSG to a total of 228/5.

However, the partnership between Rickelton (83 runs off 32 balls, with six fours and eight sixes) and Rohit (84 runs off 44 balls, with six fours and seven sixes) made the chase straightforward, allowing MI to complete it in just 18.4 overs.

Currently, MI sits in ninth place with three wins and seven losses, while LSG is at the bottom with two wins and seven losses.