Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Ryan Rickelton announced his return to the playing XI in spectacular fashion, smashing the fastest century in Mumbai Indians history during their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.The South African opener raced to his maiden IPL hundred in just 44 balls, rewriting the record books for the five-time champions. In doing so, Rickelton eclipsed the previous mark of 45 balls jointly held by Sanath Jayasuriya (2008) and Tilak Varma (earlier this season), underlining the sheer dominance of his innings.Fastest-ever ton lights up WankhedeRickelton’s knock was a masterclass in clean hitting and fearless intent. Walking in as a replacement for the injured Quinton de Kock, he wasted no time in making an impact.Opening alongside Will Jacks, the duo put on a blistering 93-run stand in just seven overs, setting the tone for a massive total. Even after Jacks’ dismissal, Rickelton continued his assault, stitching together a crucial 55-run partnership with Naman Dhir.He reached the landmark in the 15th over, smashing seven sixes and eight fours, leaving the opposition bowlers with no answers. His innings now sits atop MI’s fastest hundred list, ahead of names like Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav.
Fastest hundreds for Mumbai Indians
- 44 – Ryan Rickelton vs SRH, Wankhede, 2026
- 45 – Sanath Jayasuriya vs CSK, Wankhede, 2008
- 45 – Tilak Varma vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2026
- 47 – Cameron Green vs SRH, Wankhede, 2023
- 49 – Suryakumar vs GT, Wankhede, 2023
MI reshuffle, Rohit Sharma still outEarlier, MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bat first, citing favourable conditions. The team, however, was forced into changes, with De Kock ruled out due to a wrist injury and young Robin Minz handed an opportunity.There was also an update on Rohit Sharma, who continues to recover. “Rohit will need a couple more games, he’s trying, but it’s not up to the mark,” Hardik said at the toss.Rickelton’s explosive century not only powered Mumbai Indians to a commanding position but also added a new chapter to the franchise’s rich batting legacy.
