Mumbai Indians opener Ryan Rickelton was left stunned by teammate Suryakumar Yadav’s incredible shot-making ability, admitting that he could never even dream of batting the way Yadav does. Rickelton, who has been in fine form for Mumbai Indians this season, praised Yadav’s audacious strokeplay, calling him a “joke” in the best possible sense.
During a recent IPL match, Yadav played an astonishing flick-scoop shot off a well-directed delivery from Andre Russell. The shot defied logic, leaving both the opposition and his own teammates in disbelief. Rickelton, watching from the other end, turned to Quinton de Kock and admitted, “SKY (Surya) is a joke, stuff that I can’t do, stuff that I can’t dream of.” He added, “He has played that shot many a time, I’m not going to try it, but I’m glad that he is in our team.”
Suryakumar Yadav has long been known for his unorthodox yet highly effective batting style. His ability to manufacture shots from impossible angles makes him one of the most exciting players in T20 cricket. Over the years, he has become an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ setup and a key player for India in white-ball cricket. His fearless approach allows him to take on the best bowlers in the world, making him a match-winner on any given day.
For Rickelton, who is still establishing himself in the IPL, watching someone like Yadav from close quarters is an invaluable experience. As a traditional top-order batter, Rickelton relies on timing and placement, whereas Yadav thrives on unpredictability and risk-taking. This contrast in styles highlights the diversity in the Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup, which has been their strength over the years.
With the IPL season in full swing, Mumbai Indians will be hoping that both Rickelton and Yadav continue to deliver match-winning performances. While Rickelton may not attempt the kind of outrageous strokes that Yadav plays, he will certainly take inspiration from his fearless approach. As for Yadav, his ability to entertain and dominate opposition bowlers remains one of the biggest assets for his team, ensuring that Mumbai Indians always have a player who can turn the game on its head in a matter of deliveries.