Mumbai Indians opener Ryan Rickelton showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav after they registered an eight-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday. Chasing a below-par score of 117 runs for their first win of the season, MI won with 43 balls to spare.

SKY played a key role in boosting the team’s Net Run Rate as he played a brilliant cameo of 9-ball 27 with the help of three fours and two sixes. The right-hander also played his trademark lofted shot over deep fine leg for a maximum. 

On the other hand, Ryan Rickelton also scored a match-winning knock of 62 runs off just 41 balls with the help of four fours and five sixes. He contributed only three runs in his partnership with SKY.

Rickelton revealed his conversation about Suryakumar Yadav with his compatriot Quinton de Kock.

“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 definitely not going to try it anytime soon, but glad he is on our team,” Rickelton said after MI’s eight-wicket win.

Meanwhile, there was swing on offer in the early stages of the run-chase and Rickelton said he decided to take his time as the ball was doing a bit.

“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 maximise on the pace which was offer today. Yeah it’s unbelievable, I have never been at the Wankhede and it’s amazing to see it turn blue. It’s a special place to be in. I think they executed really well, the conditions allowed certain tactics to adjust. We communicated quite earlier about our plans,” Rickelton said during the post-match presentation.

Mumbai Indians will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday.