Mumbai Indians Bolster Squad with Bairstow, Gleeson, and Asalanka for IPL 2025 Playoffs
Mumbai Indians (MI) have fortified their roster with three overseas replacement players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs. The Hardik Pandya-led franchise has enlisted England’s Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka to fill the voids left by Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch, who are set to depart for international commitments following MI’s final league match.
Bairstow, a seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, joins MI at a price of INR 5.25 crore to replace Jacks, who will return to England for an ODI series against the West Indies. Gleeson, an English fast bowler, steps in for Rickelton at a reserve price of INR 1 crore, while Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s limited-overs captain, replaces Bosch at INR 75 lakh. These players will be available for the playoffs, starting May 29, 2025, provided MI secures qualification.
MI face a critical juncture with two remaining league games against Delhi Capitals on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 26. A victory against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium could clinch their playoff berth, as they currently vie with Delhi Capitals for the final top-four spot. The IPL’s resumption on May 17, following a suspension due to India-Pakistan border tensions, has intensified the race for playoff qualification.
Bairstow brings significant IPL experience, having played 50 matches across five seasons for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, amassing 1,589 runs at an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45, including two centuries. His addition provides MI with a reliable wicketkeeping option and a dynamic top-order batter. Gleeson, who debuted for Chennai Super Kings in 2024, offers pace bowling depth, while Asalanka, making his IPL debut, adds versatility with over 2,700 T20 runs and part-time off-spin.
The IPL’s temporary replacement rule has enabled MI to adapt to the absence of key players, with Jacks, Rickelton, and Bosch unavailable due to national duties for England’s ODI series and South Africa’s World Test Championship final preparations.