Mumbai Cape Town wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton won hearts on social media with a touching gesture towards a fan who was hit by his shot for six during the clash against Joburg Super Kings at Johannesburg on January 6. The fan wearing Super Kings jersey sustained a cheek fracture in the clash that took place on January 10. Rickelton who scored an unbeaten century, apologised to the fan by recording a heartwarming video and gifted her a signed jersey.
In the video message, Rickelton said, “Hi Lyndee. Ryan here. I just want to say so sorry for what happened to you last night. I'm really sad to hear that. I did see the video as well. But yeah, my thoughts are with you. I hope that your cheek, I hear that's a fracture, it can recover quite quickly and hopefully, the pain can subside as quickly as possible as well. My apologies. Never nice when it happens. I just want to wish you all the best in recovery and as a bit of a token to say sorry, I'd love to sign this jersey for you. Just to reach out from my perspective and from the team's side as well. Again, just to say sorry and we wish you all the best in your recovery."
The fan appreciated Rickelton for his gesture and saw the humorous side of the incident, showing her damaged spectacles.
“Can confirm you hit a ball very very hard. You've managed to make a hole in my glasses. Thank you. That saved my eye. So anyway, thanks for the message, thanks for the jersey. Love watching you. See you at the next game, probably at the pink game. I'm assuming you'll be playing there, the way you hit the ball," she said.
MI win big against Super Kings but playoffs chances slim
In the match against Super Kings, Rickelton played a fiery innings of 113 runs not out from 60 deliveries. In the over of Nande Burger, Rickelton played a flamboyant shot where the ball reached the boundary and struck the fan who was standing in the stands. The video showcasing the incident where she was holding her cheek in pain and the surrounding spectators were comforting her gained a lot of attention on social media.
His unbeaten 113-run knock in the last clash propelled Cape Town to the score of 234/3 in 20 overs. Cape Town bowlers were clinical in their approach and restricted Super Kings’ score to 198, winning the match by 36 runs.
So far in the league, Mumbai Cape Town is at the last position. They have lost five out of eight matches this season.