MI rope in Bairstow, ex-CSK pacer and Sri Lanka skipper for potential IPL 2025 playoffs

Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced three high-profile replacements for the upcoming IPL 2025 playoffs, provided they qualify. The franchise is set to lose three overseas players—Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch—who are leaving for national duty after May 26. In response, MI have signed Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson as backups.

The additions are strategic. England's Jonny Bairstow, a proven IPL performer, was brought in for ₹5.25 crore. Sri Lanka's white-ball captain Charith Asalanka joins at his base price, while England pacer Richard Gleeson has been signed for ₹1 crore. These players will only be eligible if MI make it to the playoffs.

Currently, MI are fourth on the points table with seven wins from 12 games and a healthy net run rate of +1.156. Their fate hinges on the must-win home game against Delhi Capitals on May 21. If they lose, MI will hope for a DC defeat to Punjab Kings on May 24, followed by their own win over PBKS on May 26 to secure a top-four finish.

The absence of Rickelton could be a major blow—he is MI’s second-highest run-scorer this season with 336 runs at a strike rate of 153.42. Bosch, though less impactful statistically, offered balance with both bat and ball. Jacks has been a useful all-rounder with six wickets and 195 runs, and his departure leaves a gap in the lineup as well.

Among the replacements, Bairstow brings immense IPL experience, having scored 1,589 runs with two centuries. Asalanka is set to debut in IPL but brings strong T20I credentials. Gleeson, though limited in IPL exposure, could provide pace support in the absence of frontline bowlers. With the playoffs spot still undecided, these signings may well prove decisive if MI make the cut.