With three key overseas players set to depart after their final league match on May 26, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka as temporary replacements for the remainder of IPL 2025, provided they qualify for the playoffs.
Who have MI signed as temporary replacements?
Bairstow, unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, joins as a high-profile addition for INR 5.25 crore. The England wicketkeeper-batter replaces Will Jacks, who will link up with England’s white-ball squad for the home series against West Indies starting May 29. Bairstow is in fine touch this season in county cricket, having scored 525 runs in 12 innings at an average of 52.50. He, however, isn’t selected in the white-ball squads for the West Indies series.
Richard Gleeson, an experienced T20 seamer, will replace Ryan Rickelton at a base price of INR 1 crore. Rickelton, a consistent contributor with 336 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 153.42, is heading for South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) final duties. He is likely to open for the Proteas.
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka comes in for Corbin Bosch at INR 75 lakh. Bosch, who has also been selected for South Africa’s WTC final squad, will depart after the league stage concludes.
Qualification on the line for MI
Currently 4th on the points table with 14 points and a healthy NRR of +1.156, MI’s playoff chances hinge on their final two fixtures—against Delhi Capitals (May 21, Wankhede) and Punjab Kings (May 26, Jaipur). Victory in both will seal qualification with 18 points. Even a single win—especially over Delhi—may suffice, given their superior net run rate.
However, a loss to Delhi could prove fatal, effectively making that contest a virtual knockout. With MI in good form and their core firing—Suryakumar Yadav leading with 510 runs—Hardik Pandya and Co. are well-placed to push for a playoff berth.
Mumbai Indians – Player Replacements for IPL 2025
| Outgoing Player | Reason for Leaving | Replacement Player | Country | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Jacks | England white-ball duties (vs West Indies) | Jonny Bairstow | England | 5.25 crore |
| Ryan Rickelton | South Africa WTC final squad | Richard Gleeson | England | 1 crore |
| Corbin Bosch | South Africa WTC final squad | Charith Asalanka | Sri Lanka | 75 lakh |
List of overseas players for MI (if they qualify)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Charith Asalanka
- Richard Gleeson
- Trent Boult
- Mitchell Santner
- Reece Topley
- Bevon Jacobs
- Mujeeb ur Rahman
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