YASSSSSS!!! First W of the season and the camp is absolutely buzzing in jubilation. 🥳

Everything, right from the first over, was simply outstanding – Boulty kickstarting the proceedings, Ashwani’s blazing 4-fer, Every bowler picking at least one wicket and then Rickelton anchoring the run chase with his first fifty for the team. Perfection personified, from every angle!! 🔥

Speaking at the post-match presser, opening batter Ryan Rickelton began by praising the show-stopper of the evening, our very own Player of the Match Ashwani Kumar.

“He's a really nice bowler and he got an opportunity today. He can swing the new ball and he executed his plan really well. So, I'm very happy for him.

“It's cool that he got an opportunity and the group's really chuffed that he managed to get a Player of the Match performance today. He's got some great skills, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes in the rest of the competition,” he said.

Furthermore, the left-hander opined on the nature of the pitch as he registered his maiden half-century in Blue and Gold!

“It was harder than I anticipated it to be. I think I knew it was gonna swing around and do a bit. I didn't expect it to do that much for a period of time. But when we were bowling, the guys executed quite well, it was a bit sticky up front.

So, actually, throughout the whole 40 overs, I think it was a bit sticky. But, I think our bowlers adjusted really well and our batters adjusted really well too to get the win,” Rickelton said.

Talking about his underwhelming performances against CSK and GT, Rickelton said he was confident of a good outing ahead of the #MIvKKR clash.

“I don't think there was any pressure. I think it's more internal pressure that comes with it. So, just for myself, I wanted to contribute to the team and add to that. But Hardik was emphasizing more on raising intensity in our first match at our home ground.

“We need to be better. So, I think today, we ramped it up a level. Like I said, the intensity was better. I know we dropped a couple of catches in the fielding, but it was better and the batting came through nicely as well,” he continued.

Well, playing at Wankhede for the first time can be a surreal experience for any cricketer and, obviously, it was no different for our Ricky दादा! 😉

“I was a bit nervous in all honesty. I just really wanted to get a score and just ease the nerves down.

“But it was a relatively low total, so I knew I could afford a bit of time and just give myself this extra couple of balls to try and get through. So, yeah, I was a bit nervous. But once I knew I could face 18 to 20 balls to settle in, at least have some kind of impact on the game and luckily, I managed just to get through,” he said

“It's my first game here at the Wankhede. You know, it's special to see the colours and how everyone gets around the team and the players. So, it was a great experience. I think that's why a lot of players play for the fans and it was awesome to be out there tonight and experience it,” Rickelton concluded.

Meanwhile, it was the team talk that played a pivotal role in a clinical all-round performance. What was it though? Our 28-year-old star tells us!

“I think before the game, Hardik just asked us to raise the intensity. So at the halfway stage, Mahela and he just emphasized, keep raising that intensity. Be ruthless. You know, just because it's a lower score, don’t go into your shell and try to work your way around it. So I think that's kind of the attitude.

“I think the emphasis was just to try, be positive, take the right option, back yourself with no doubt and play the game while you see it. There's no judgment from the side. They trust the players in the middle to make the right decisions,” Rickelton finished.

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Okay then, the shackles are broken. Our first +2 are on the board and we are brimming with confidence. Just the performance we needed to get up and running.

#LSGvMI up next. Another win on the mind. Let’s get that, lads!! 😎