With a lone playoff position left in IPL 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have taken aggressive steps to strengthen their team ahead of Wednesday’s do-or-die encounter with Delhi Capitals (DC). On May 20, MI signed England internationals Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson and Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka as replacements for Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch.
Tonight, we play for victory and valour. 💪🇮🇳#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #MIvDC pic.twitter.com/i31gSqMLha
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 21, 2025
The MI new players in IPL 2025 arrive at the perfect time. MI and DC are running neck and neck for the fourth and last playoff spot, and their next head-to-head match-up is destined to decide the fortunes of both teams. If MI makes it, the new trio will be ready from the playoffs onwards, providing the five-time title winners with a much-needed boost of foreign talent.
MI Replacement During National Commitments
The call for MI new players in IPL 2025 arises from the absence of their main players for international commitments. Will Jacks will depart following MI’s last league match on May 26 to represent England’s ODI team for their series against the West Indies. Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch, however, will also leave to join South Africa before the World Test Championship final.
📰 𝐌𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐰, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐧 💙
Read more ➡ https://t.co/ElbI4MeVBE#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/6vyC8FmW3d
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 20, 2025
Jacks has been a regular feature for MI this season, contributing both with the bat and his off-spin, scoring 195 runs in nine innings and picking up five wickets. Rickelton has arguably been MI’s most consistent batter outside of Suryakumar Yadav, amassing 336 runs at an average of 30.54 and a strike rate 153.42 across 12 innings. Bosch’s role has been more peripheral, but his departure, too, leaves a hole in MI’s squad depth.
Jonny Bairstow：A Tested IPL Performer
The marquee name among the replacements is certainly Jonny Bairstow. The experienced English batter, who remained unsold in the mega auction of the previous year, has been a notable absentee in England’s sides since June 2024. Nevertheless, he’s remained busy by leading Yorkshire in the County Championship this summer.
Upon his comeback to the IPL, Bairstow posted on Instagram regarding his enthusiasm. “This is an amazing chance, and I’m looking forward to joining MI’s cause. Can’t wait to begin and feel the vibe of Mumbai,” he said. Bairstow’s addition to the MI dressing room means there is now experienced IPL talent in the camp. In more than 50 matches over five seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, he has scored over 1,300 runs at 34.54 average and a strike rate of 144.45. He has two IPL hundreds to his name, and one of them was scored in a record-breaking run chase at Eden Gardens last season. Bairstow will come in for Will Jacks and is likely to fit into the top-order, possibly opening with Ishan Kishan or coming in at No. 3 if Rohit Sharma persists with opening.
Richard Gleeson：Pace Back-Up with T20 Pedigree
Adding strength to Bairstow is his Englishmate Richard Gleeson. At 37, the fast bowler may not be a familiar face in the IPL, but he has been quietly impressing in the T20 league. Gleeson turned out for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL last season, featuring in two matches as a mid-season replacement.
Currently signed with Warwickshire for a white-ball contract, Gleeson will miss the beginning of the T20 Blast in England to avail himself of this chance. Although MI already has Jasprit Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee, and Akash Madhwal forming their pace battery, Gleeson’s experience and capacity for bowling death overs might come in useful if there are injuries or form problems. He comes in to replace Corbin Bosch in the team, providing a like-for-like fast-bowling option but with the additional benefit of having experienced IPL conditions previously.
Charith Asalanka：A New Face for MI
The third recruit, Charith Asalanka, is the sole member of the trio who has not played in the IPL. But the Sri Lanka white-ball captain has leadership skills and an aggressive batting style, especially in the middle overs, a zone where MI has been weak in patches this season.
Asalanka, who went unsold at last year’s auction, will be eager to make the most of this late opportunity. He replaces Ryan Rickelton in the squad and, while he may not be a like-for-like replacement in terms of playing style, his left-handed batting and spin-handling abilities offer variety to MI’s batting group. With Kusal Mendis already in the IPL mix this season, Asalanka becomes the latest in a growing list of Sri Lankan players making their mark in India’s premier T20 competition.
MI’s Do-or-Die Situation
The timing of MI new players in IPL 2025 could prove vital. Returning to action after a break due to India-Pakistan tensions, MI face DC in a virtual knockout clash on Wednesday. A win keeps their playoff hopes alive, while a loss ends the campaign.
Their final league game is on May 26 against Punjab Kings, the same day their outgoing players depart. If MI qualify, Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka will be available for the playoffs. Johnny Bairstow brings firepower, Richard Gleeson adds pace depth, and Charith Asalanka offers middle-order balance. With the stakes high, MI have moved smartly to stay in the fight.
