IPL 2025, Ryan Rickelton Dismissal Controversy: Why was Mumbai Indians Batter Given Not Out after dismissal in Bizarre Scenes at Wankhede?

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IPL 2025: The Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad clash at the Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2025 took an unusual turn when Ryan Rickelton was seemingly dismissed, only to be called back moments later in bizarre circumstances.

The drama unfolded in the seventh over of MI’s chase, and it left even the most seasoned cricket fans scratching their heads. Rickelton, who was struggling to break free, attempted a release shot against SRH spinner Zeeshan Ansari.

The ball found its way back to wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, who completed what looked like a straightforward caught dismissal. The Sunrisers went up in celebration and Rickelton began walking back. However, the fourth umpire intervened, prompting a recheck of the dismissal. What followed next was a masterclass in cricket’s technicalities.

The replay revealed that Klaasen’s gloves were marginally — just about a centimetre — ahead of the stumps at the time of the ball’s delivery. This seemingly insignificant detail turned the tables in Rickelton’s favour, as it violated Law 27.3 of the ICC’s official playing conditions regarding the position of the wicketkeeper.

What does the rule say?

The ICC’s Law 27.3 on the Position of the Wicket-keeper states:

27.3.1 The wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler:

• touches the bat or person of the striker or
• passes the wicket at the striker’s end or
• the striker attempts a run.

27.3.2 In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal No ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball.

Since Klaasen’s gloves had moved in front of the stumps before the ball had passed the bat or the striker, it was deemed a violation. According to the rulebook, such an infringement results in a no-ball being called. The dismissal, therefore, stood nullified, and Rickelton was reinstated at the crease.

The sequence of events drew reactions from all corners. While the Sunrisers were visibly frustrated, Mumbai Indians breathed a sigh of relief. Rickelton, having survived the scare, made the most of his second life, hammering back-to-back boundaries in the very next over to keep MI in the hunt.

This rare implementation of Law 27.3 highlighted the ever-evolving role of technology and precision in cricket. While the incident may have seemed marginal, it served as a reminder of how the smallest of details can shape the outcome of a game in the modern era.