England Wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow is expected to join the Mumbai Indians in the place of Will Jack for the final stages of the IPL 2025.
Jonny Bairstow has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings earlier and is in talks with MI for an emergency replacement if the team makes it to the playoffs.
Jonny has made 50 IPL appearances across five seasons, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, and has scored 1589 runs at an average of 34.54 at a strike rate of 144.45.
Will Jacks, who joined MI for INR 5.25 crore last year, is back in India but will not be available for the playoffs as he is named in the England squad for the home tour against West Indies.
If signed, Bairstow, he could open the innings or play at No.3 with his arrival meaning the dropping of Ryan Rickelton from the playing 11.
Rickelton who has been named in the South Africa squad for the WTC 2025 finals. Mumbai Indians has a well stocked bowling lineup, so Mitchell Santner and Topley would ease the blow of Bosch’s absence.
On the other hand,Richard Gleeson made his IPL debut last year when he played two matches for Chennai Super Kings as a replacement player. He is on a white-ball contract with his county, Warwickshire and will miss their opening two T20 Blast fixtures if his deal with MI is confirmed.
Mumbai Indians have 14 points with seven wins from 12 matches. They may be in a situation to win both their matches, in order to secure a place in the playoffs.
The went on to make a six match winning streak after a slow start to the season, but were narrowly beaten by Gujarat Titans in their most recent match before the IPL was suspended due to cross border tensions.
They will play Delhi Capitals on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 26 who are also in the playoffs race.
