The Mumbai Indians (MI), one of the most iconic franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have made a significant move ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. As several key players are set to leave for national duties after the league stage, MI have roped in three dynamic international cricketers—Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka—as replacements for Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch respectively.
Table of Contents
1. Why MI Needed Replacements?
2. Jonny Bairstow Replaces Will Jacks
3. Richard Gleeson Replaces Ryan Rickelton
4. Charith Asalanka Replaces Corbin Bosch
5. Impact on Mumbai Indians’ Playoff Hopes
6. MI’s IPL 2025 Journey So Far
7. Conclusion
Why MI Needed Replacements?
The Indian Premier League often overlaps with the international cricket calendar, especially in its final stages. This season, three key MI players—Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch—will depart after MI’s last league game to fulfill their national team commitments.
To maintain squad strength and ensure competitiveness during the crucial playoff stage (should MI qualify), the management has signed three quality international players as cover.
Jonny Bairstow Replaces Will Jacks
Player Profile:
Name: Jonny Bairstow
Country: England
Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
Age: 35
IPL Replacement Price: ₹5.25 Crore
MI have secured the services of Jonny Bairstow, a seasoned English batter and wicketkeeper, as a replacement for Will Jacks. Known for his aggressive batting and ability to accelerate the innings from any position, Bairstow brings a wealth of experience to the MI batting lineup.
Why Bairstow?
With more than 1,200 IPL runs and a strike rate of over 135, Bairstow has previously played for franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. His ability to open the innings or float as a finisher makes him a flexible asset. He also provides backup wicketkeeping options, which adds value to his role.
His signing at ₹5.25 crore underscores MI’s commitment to investing in dependable match-winners as they chase their sixth IPL title.
Richard Gleeson Replaces Ryan Rickelton
Player Profile:
Name: Richard Gleeson
Country: England
Role: Right-arm Fast Bowler
Age: 37
IPL Replacement Price: ₹1 Crore
Richard Gleeson, the English pacer known for his raw pace and bounce, will come in as a replacement for South African batter Ryan Rickelton. Although Gleeson hasn’t played an IPL match before, he has impressed in T20 leagues worldwide and for England in white-ball formats.
Why Gleeson?
MI needed someone who could bowl tight overs at the death and in the powerplay. Gleeson fits that role with his ability to bowl at 140+ km/h and deliver yorkers with precision. His performances in The Hundred and T20 Blast have highlighted his knack for picking wickets in crucial situations.
At a base price of ₹1 crore, Gleeson could prove to be one of the most value-for-money signings of IPL 2025.
Charith Asalanka Replaces Corbin Bosch
Player Profile:
Name: Charith Asalanka
Country: Sri Lanka
Role: Left-handed Middle Order Batter
Age: 27
IPL Replacement Price: ₹75 Lakhs
Charith Asalanka, the rising Sri Lankan middle-order batter, replaces Corbin Bosch. A technically sound player with a cool temperament, Asalanka brings balance to the MI batting unit
Why Asalanka?
Asalanka has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in the T20I format, especially in high-pressure chases. His left-handed batting adds variety to MI’s middle order, which is otherwise right-hand dominant. Moreover, he’s known for playing spin well, an asset during slow-turning playoff pitches.
Signed at a reserve price of ₹75 lakhs, Asalanka could be MI’s dark horse if given the opportunity in the knockout stages.
Impact on Mumbai Indians' Playoff Hopes
Mumbai Indians are currently on the edge of playoff qualification in IPL 2025. These new additions, while late in the tournament, could play a critical role if MI makes it to the Eliminator or Qualifier rounds.
Potential XI With Replacements:
1. Rohit Sharma
2. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Tilak Varma
5. Hardik Pandya (c)
6. Charith Asalanka
7. Naman Dhir
8. Mitchell Santner
9. Deepak Chahar
10. Trent Boult
11. Richard Gleeson
Impact Player: Jasprit Bumrah (used when bowling first or defending a total)
MI's IPL 2025 Journey So Far
Under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, MI had a rocky start but gradually found their rhythm. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Trent Boult have led the charge in crucial games. MI’s strong bench strength and experienced core continue to keep them in contention for yet another title.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Indians’ proactive move to sign Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka for the IPL 2025 playoffs could prove to be a masterstroke. With the franchise eyeing a sixth title, these replacements bring the right mix of firepower, experience, and adaptability.
As fans gear up for a thrilling end to the season, all eyes will be on how these new recruits perform under pressure. If MI makes it to the playoffs, don’t be surprised to see Bairstow smashing sixes, Gleeson bowling yorkers, and Asalanka anchoring a chase.
F&Q
Q1. Who are the replacement players signed by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025?
A: MI have signed Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka as replacements for Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch.
Q2. What role will Richard Gleeson play in the MI squad?
A: Richard Gleeson will serve as a right-arm fast bowler, replacing Ryan Rickelton, and is expected to boost MI’s pace attack during the playoffs.
Q3. Is Jonny Bairstow keeping wickets for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025?
A: Yes, Jonny Bairstow has been brought in as a wicketkeeper-batter and will take over Ishan Kishan’s role in the playing XI.
Q4. When will the replacement players join Mumbai Indians?
A: The replacements will be available from the IPL 2025 playoffs stage, provided Mumbai Indians qualify.
Q5. Who does Charith Asalanka replace in the MI squad?
A: Charith Asalanka replaces Corbin Bosch and is expected to strengthen the middle order with his left-handed batting.
