Image: Mumbai Indians may replace Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton with Bairstow and Gleeson / © CricTracker
When the Mumbai Indians (MI) qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, they are expected to bring in Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson as replacements for unavailable overseas players. MI are currently fourth on the table with 14 points from 12 games and must win their last two matches to secure a playoff berth. Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, key contributors in the league stage, are set to leave by May 27 due to national commitments with England and South Africa, respectively.
Jonny Bairstow, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, is in advanced talks to replace Jacks. He last played for England in June 2024 and will join MI after captaining Yorkshire in the County Championship. With 1,589 IPL runs at a strike rate of 144.45 and an average of 34.54, Bairstow brings significant experience and wicket keeping ability.
Meanwhile, Richard Gleeson is being considered to fill Rickelton’s spot. The 37-year-old pacer previously played for Chennai Super Kings and holds a white-ball contract with Warwickshire.
After a poor start with just one win in five games, MI bounced back with six straight victories. However, player departures loom just as the league resumes following a one-week break due to India-Pakistan tensions.