In a dramatic moment in the MI vs SRH IPL 2025 match, Mumbai Indians’ wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton was given out but called back to the crease after an umpire’s intervention.
The moment left everyone in shock, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) players stunned and the crowd abuzz. This exceptional piece of cricket drama came about when the umpire detected a rule breach from SRH wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, and a no-ball was signaled along with a free hit to MI.
The Controversial Dismissal: Rickelton Returns to the Crease
Zeeshan Ansari bowled a ball outside the off stump in the 7th over of the match, which was caught by SRH’s wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen. Ryan Rickelton, the batsman from the crease of the Mumbai Indians, got dismissed and began his way to the pavilion. The new batter, Suryakumar Yadav, was about to receive the strike and come into the field.
But just as proceedings were set to resume, the umpire brought the game to a stop and made an unexpected decision. The on-field umpire requested a review, sending the decision to the third umpire for closer examination.
The Review: Klaasen’s Gloves Ahead of the Stumps
After watching the replay, the third umpire found that when Rickelton hit the shot, Heinrich Klaasen’s gloves were in front of the stumps—a blatant breach of cricket’s wicketkeeping rules.
Read More
As per Rule 27.3.1, the wicketkeeper shall not position any part of their body in front of the stumps before the ball traverses the stumps or comes into contact with the batsman. This is to ensure fair competition between the bowler and the batsman. Klaasen’s infringement of this rule prompted the third umpire to reverse the initial decision.
The third umpire signaled a not-out decision, and Rickelton, who was already off the field, was recalled to the crease. This strange chain of events compelled Suryakumar Yadav, who was getting ready to take the strike, to go back to the pavilion.
No-Ball Call: A Free Hit for MI
The drama didn’t stop there. As the third umpire indicated that the delivery was a no-ball, the Mumbai Indians were awarded a free hit on the subsequent ball. The no-ball was signaled because Klaasen was in front of the stumps when Rickelton struck his shot, and this benefited Mumbai for the subsequent delivery. The bewilderment left the SRH players stunned, having no choice but to abide by the umpire’s decision.
Rickelton’s Short but Sweet Encounter
Following the umpire drama, Ryan Rickelton stepped back onto the crease, and he was in action again shortly. In the next over, Rickelton was faced with Harshal Patel, the SRH bowler, and registered two consecutive fours, showing his determination to make up for lost time.
However, Rickelton’s revival was short-lived.
He was dismissed in the same over after scoring a quick-fire 31 runs from 23 balls. Despite the brief stay, Rickelton’s quick contribution helped set the tone for Mumbai’s chase.
Cricket Rule Explained: Wicketkeeper’s Positioning
The incident with Rickelton highlights an important rule in cricket: the wicketkeeper’s positioning must adhere to certain guidelines to maintain fairness. According to Rule 27.3.1 of the Laws of Cricket:
The wicketkeeper is also not permitted to have any portion of their body in front of the stumps prior to the ball striking the batsman or going past the stumps.
If the wicketkeeper does break this rule, the umpire will shout no-ball.
The only method of dismissal that can result from a no-ball is run out.
In this regard, Klaasen’s early positioning resulted in a call of no-ball, and the subsequent free hit provided Mumbai Indians with a narrow but decisive lead.
MI vs SRH IPL 2025: Hyderabad’s Struggles Continue
While this instant of drama was one of the highlight moments of the match, it did not alter the final result overall. Sunrisers Hyderabad had set a fighting total of 162/5 in their opening innings. Nevertheless, Mumbai Indians, supported by their controlled bowling attack and decent batting performances, were in command of the run chase throughout.
Rickelton’s dismissal and return to the crease provided a touch of mystery to an already exciting match, but eventually, Mumbai reached the target with ease. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Verma made sure that MI crossed the line easily, earning their second successive win in IPL 2025.
A Unique Moment in IPL 2025
The altercation with Ryan Rickelton in the MI vs SRH match in IPL 2025 turned into one of the most remembered moments of the season. The quick thinking and sticking to the rules of the umpire ensured fairness prevailed, with Hyderabad players and supporters left disappointed but accepting of the rules.
For Mumbai, the win was not only an important step toward regaining form but also created a moment to remember for supporters. As the tournament progresses, this incident serves as a reminder of the nuances of cricket’s laws and how the smallest detail can change the course of a game.
ALSO READ: Dale Steyn Tweets On Mitchell Starc: “That’s Why You Pay Him the Big Bucks”
