The Mumbai Indians have made significant roster changes ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, signing three international stars, Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka, as replacements for key overseas players who are departing for national duty.
MI in IPL 2025: Who Are the New Signings?
- Jonny Bairstow (England): The experienced wicketkeeper-batter joins Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Will Jacks. Bairstow, who will earn INR 5.25 crore for his services, brings a wealth of IPL experience, having scored 1,589 runs at an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45, including two centuries. His aggressive batting and versatility behind the stumps make him a valuable addition for the high-pressure playoff matches.
- Richard Gleeson (England): The 37-year-old fast bowler comes in for Ryan Rickelton at a reserve price of INR 1 crore. Gleeson is known for his death-overs expertise and has previously played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He has taken over 100 wickets in T20 cricket and is expected to bolster Mumbai’s pace attack during the crucial knockout games.
- Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka): Replacing Corbin Bosch, Asalanka is Sri Lanka’s current ODI and T20I captain and joins at a reserve price of INR 75 lakhs. With more than 2,700 runs in over 100 T20 matches, Asalanka adds both leadership and middle-order stability to the Mumbai lineup.
Why Were These Changes Made?
The changes come as Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch are all set to leave the squad after Mumbai’s final league game due to international commitments.
Jacks returns to England for a white-ball series against West Indies, while Rickelton and Bosch have been called up by South Africa for the World Test Championship final against Australia.
Availability for Playoffs
The new signings will be available for Mumbai Indians from the playoffs stage onwards, provided the team qualifies. As of May 20, 2025, Mumbai Indians are well-placed in the points table, ranked fourth with seven wins from twelve matches, and are strong contenders for a playoff spot.
What Do They Bring to the Team?
- Bairstow: Explosive opening options, experience in high-stakes matches, and wicketkeeping depth.
- Gleeson: Specialist death bowler, adds variety and experience to the pace attack.
- Asalanka: Middle-order solidity, leadership, and the ability to handle pressure situations.
