Rickelton shines in early IPL action

By Razeen Gutta

The new season of the Indian Premier League is well and truly underway with the first round of league fixtures now complete.

The Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the pack on net run rate with the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings all starting their campaigns on the front foot as well.

Ryan Rickelton currently heads the orange cap rankings with 81 runs after helping Mumbai to a six wicket win over the Kolkata Knight Riders.

The victory was the Indians’ first opening day win in 14 years, with Rohit Sharma returning to the crease with a stellar 78 off 38 balls.

Ishan Kishan’s 80 off 38 was not enough for the Sunrisers Hyderabad to beat the Royal Challengers at the Chinnaswamy, with the Bengaluru franchise showing domination on all fronts.

Virat Kohli and Jacob Duffy were the scene stealers for last year’s winners.

In Guwahati, the Chennai Super Kings struggled against Rajasthan, with Nandre Burger picking up 2/26 in the eight-wicket victory.

Kagiso Rabada took a wicket in Gujarat Titans’ opening clash, but last year’s finalists Punjab Kings were too strong for Shubman Gill’s side and came out victorious by three wickets.

Lungi Ngidi is level at the top of the purple cap rankings with three wickets for 27, helping the Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.

The action continues throughout April and May with all matches broadcast live on SuperSport.

Pictured above: Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma

Source: @mumbaiindians