Sports
Viral: Theekshana’s Carrom Ball Stuns Rickelton in RR vs MI Thriller
Jaipur, May 1, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals’ Maheesh Theekshana unleashed a jaw-dropping carrom ball to castle Mumbai Indians’ Ryan Rickelton during their IPL 2025 clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, sparking a social media frenzy and earning praise as a game-changing moment.
The Dismissal Breakdown
- Batsman: Ryan Rickelton (MI) – cruising at 61 (38, 7 fours, 3 sixes).
- Delivery: A carrom ball, full on middle, skidding and turning to crash into the stumps, outfoxing Rickelton’s attempted heave.
- Speed: ~90 kph (per broadcast); sharp turn left the batter clueless.
Watch the Moment
The delivery, shared across platforms, racked up millions of views within hours, with fans calling it “unplayable.”
Twist in the tale, courtesy #RR spinners 🪄
The Royals roar back into the game with 2️⃣ quick wickets of #MI openers 💪
Updates ▶ https://t.co/t4j49gXHDu#TATAIPL | #RRvMI | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/mFfDsADHEj
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 1, 2025
Match Context
- MI Score: 116/1 (11.5 overs) when Rickelton fell, ending a 116-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma (53).
- Impact: The wicket slowed MI briefly, but Suryakumar Yadav (48* off 23) and Hardik Pandya (48* off 23) powered MI to 217/2.
- Result: RR, chasing 218, were 20/2 (2.1 overs) at the latest update, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi out. Match outcome pending.
Theekshana’s Spell Analysis
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 36 | 1 | 9.00 |
- Key Balls: Conceded 15 runs in his final over (Suryakumar’s six, Pandya’s four); earlier beat Rickelton with an LBW shout (pitched outside leg).
- Other Scalps: No further wickets; Rohit fell to Riyan Parag (1/27).
Expert Reactions
- Irfan Pathan: “Theekshana’s carrom ball was a beauty—pure skill to break that stand.”
- Paras Mhambrey (MI Coach): “That delivery turned the momentum, but our batters fought back hard.”
Why This Matters?
- Playoff Race: MI, with 12 points (6 wins, +0.889 NRR), are playoff favorites. RR, with 3 wins in 10 (6 points), need a miracle.
- Theekshana’s Rise: 8 wickets in 9 games this season (economy 8.56), down from 11 in 2023 with CSK, but his middle-overs control remains vital for RR.
Theekshana’s viral wicket, though not triggering a collapse, showcased his mystery spin prowess, giving RR a glimmer of hope against MI’s batting juggernaut. With the chase ongoing, this delivery will linger in IPL 2025’s highlight reel.
