Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) have embraced an internet trend to introduce their latest acquisition, Ryan Rickelton, in a unique way. The franchise took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to brand Rickelton as their version of WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes.
Not long ago, a viral video comparing South African batter Rickelton to Rhodes took the internet by storm. The resemblance between the two caught the attention of fans, and MI has now capitalized on this trend to unveil their new player.
'The Proteas Nightmare' Joins MI
Mumbai Indians first referred to Rickelton as the ‘South African Nightmare’, a clever nod to Cody Rhodes’ moniker, the ‘American Nightmare’.
Taking things a step further, MI shared a video where Rickelton is seen playing a WWE game, choosing Rhodes as his character before stepping into the virtual ring. The clip ends with Rickelton holding the WWE Championship, with the on-screen graphics introducing him as “Ryan Rickelton – The Proteas Nightmare.”
Rickelton in Red-Hot Form Ahead of IPL 2025
The left-handed batter arrives at IPL 2025 in scintillating form. Fresh off a brilliant century in the Champions Trophy, Rickelton also delivered an outstanding performance in the recently concluded SA20 2025. Representing MI Cape Town, he amassed 336 runs at a blistering strike rate of 178.7.
With his aggressive style at the top, Rickelton is expected to form a dynamic opening partnership with Rohit Sharma for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season.
Mumbai Indians Squad for IPL 2025
Hardik Pandya (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Shrijith Krishnan, Raj Angad Bawa, Venkat Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Vignesh Puthhur, Suryakumar Yadav.
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on MI’s "Proteas Nightmare", who will be eager to make a statement on Indian soil.
Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2025 Schedule
March 23, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
March 29, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
March 31, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 4, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Lucknow Super Giants at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 7, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 13, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 17, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 20, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 23, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
April 27, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Lucknow Super Giants at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 3:30 PM IST.
May 1, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
May 6, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
May 11, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Punjab Kings at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, starting at 3:30 PM IST.
May 15, 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, starting at 7:30 PM IST.