As Mumbai Indians prepare to take on fellow five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League opener on March 23, legendary South Africa batter AB de Villiers believes the pitches at their home venue, the Wankhede Stadium, will suit in-form batter Ryan Rickelton’s batting style.

Rickleton, who was picked by MI in last year’s auction in Jeddah, is a left-handed opener and wicketkeeper. At this year’s SA20 he was the fourth-highest run-getter for champions MI Cape Town with 336 runs in eight games at an average of 48.00 and strike-rate of 178.72.