During IPL matches, just four foreign players can take part for any team, which sometimes means big stars miss out. Because of that rule, the Mumbai Indians face a tricky choice up front, weighing whether to pick Ryan Rickelton or go with Quinton de Kock to open.

Monday saw Ryan Rickelton fire up fast - 83 runs from only 32 deliveries, pushing hard toward a steep chase of 229. Still, even with that explosive effort sealing victory, the South African top-order batter got an unfiltered take from a teammate when the hundred fell short, in cricket news.

Friendly fire: Quinton De Kock’s blunt feedback highlights healthy MI rivalry with Ryan Rickelton

Back in the change room, Ryan Rickelton said de Kock was already on him - teasing, yes, but with an edge. That quick jab about tossing away a century. It stung just enough to matter. Yet beneath it sat something solid, a kind of trust built through push and challenge. Not soft support, but the real sort - one pro shoving another forward.

“I still back my game and my skills, and the opportunity was there. But yes, he was the first person to absolutely have a go at me for not getting a hundred - and I agree with him,” Rickelton said with a smile.

He also opened up about the mental challenge of competing with a player of de Kock’s calibre for the same spot. “It’s tricky when someone like Quinny is sitting out. You feel that added pressure because everyone is calling for him to be in the XI. It can push you too hard at times,” he admitted.

Even with the rivalry, Rickelton pointed out how close they’ve become, saying de Kock stepped in early to help refine his game during the event. From the start, it was clear that he shared insights after every match, studied footage together, always offering quiet tips without fuss.

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Not just teammates, almost like partners pushing one another forward. Behind closed doors, progress came through steady feedback, little changes adding up over time. What stands out is mutual respect grew stronger even as pressure mounted around them,