Why MI batter Ryan Rickelton was called back after being dismissed by SRH bowler Zeeshan Ansari?

There was a moment of real drama in the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during the IPL 2025 season on Thursday. MI batter Ryan Rickelton was given out during MI’s chase after being dismissed by Zeeshan Ansari. Rickelton walked back to the pavilion but was soon called back to the crease, leaving everyone stunned.

What happened during the dismissal?

The incident occurred on the fifth ball of the 6th over of the MI innings. SRH’s Zeeshan Ansari bowled a short ball that Ryan Rickelton tried to hit hard. The ball went straight to Pat Cummins at cover, who took a diving catch. Rickelton was out, or at least, that’s what everyone thought.

He started walking back, and Suryakumar Yadav was already walking out to bat next. But then, the fourth umpire stepped in and asked for a review of the delivery. It was called a no-ball.

After checking the replay, it turned out that SRH wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen had made a mistake. His gloves were in front of the stumps at the time the ball was delivered, which is not allowed as per MCC rules.

More from First Cricket

'I feel Riyan Parag is the reason': Ex-CSK batter dissects why Sanju Samson might leave RR amid trade rumours 'Were they not invited?': Sunil Gavaskar slams ECB, questions Tendulkar, Anderson absence from Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy presentation

A rare no-ball call — not for overstepping, but because Heinrich Klaasen’s gloves were ahead of the stumps.
Cricket always finds new ways to surprise us! pic.twitter.com/AQKwAfcJCH

— VIKAS JHA (@vikasnisu_007) April 17, 2025

When a wicketkeeper’s gloves are ahead of the stumps during the delivery, the ball is considered a no-ball even if the batter gets out. So, Rickelton was not out, the delivery was declared a no-ball, and to make things worse for SRH, MI also got a free-hit on the next ball.

Varun Chakravarthy slams the rule

After the incident went viral, Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy shared his thoughts on social media. He questioned why such a mistake by the wicketkeeper should be treated like a no-ball even though the bowler didn’t do anything wrong.

If the keeper's gloves come in front of the stumps, it should be a dead ball and a warning to the keeper so that he doesn't do that again !!! Not a no ball and a free hit!! What did the bowler do🙄🙄
Thinking out loud!! What do u all think???

— Varun Chakaravarthy🇮🇳 (@chakaravarthy29) April 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Rickelton failed to capitalise on the lifeline as he was dismissed by Harshal Patel in the very next over.