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Key Points

Mumbai Indians are reportedly in talks to sign Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson as replacements for Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton ahead of the IPL playoffs. Jacks is unavailable due to England's ODI series, while Rickelton has been recalled by Cricket South Africa. Bairstow, unsold in the 2024 auction, brings strong IPL experience with two centuries and over 1,500 runs. MI, currently fourth in the standings, hope these changes will boost their playoff push.

Key Points: MI in Talks to Sign Bairstow and Gleeson for IPL Playoffs

  • Bairstow could replace Rickelton after CSA recall
  • Gleeson may fill in for Jacks due to England duty
  • Bairstow unsold in IPL 2024 auction but has strong record
  • MI currently fourth in standings with playoff hopes
2 min read

Bairstow, Richard in talks with MI to replace Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton in IPL playoffs: Report

Mumbai Indians consider Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson as replacements for Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton ahead of IPL playoffs.

"If his IPL deal goes through, Bairstow will go to India; he hasn't represented England in any format since June 2024. – ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi May 15

England wicketkeeper/batter Jonny Bairstow and batter Richard Gleeson are in advanced talk with Mumbai Indians (MI) to replace Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks, respectively, for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs, if MI qualify, as per a report from ESPNcricinfo.

Jacks has returned to India ahead of MI's final two group-stage games but will be unavailable for the season's conclusion due to international duty. With England's home ODI series against West Indies starting from May 29, clashing with the rescheduled knockout stage.

Rickelton, is set to miss the playoffs, with Cricket South Africa requesting members of their World Test Championship final squad to return home by May 27, according to ESPNcricinfo.

If his IPL deal goes through, Bairstow will go to India; he hasn't represented England in any format since June 2024 and was unsold at the mega IPL auction 2024.

Bairstow has played in 50 IPL games over five seasons, having previously played for Punjab Kings (2022 and 2024) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019-21).

With 1589 runs in the league at an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45, he has had a remarkable career in the league. He has also hit two IPL hundreds, one of which was a record-breaking run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens last year.

Will Jacks has 195 runs in nine innings and five wickets with his offbreaks in the current IPL. Additionally, he received player-of-the-match honors in their home victories against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants.

Gleeson, 37, made his IPL debut last year when he played two matches for Chennai Super Kings.

Prior to their last two group stage games against the Delhi Capitals (May 21) and Punjab Kings (May 26), MI is currently ranked fourth in the points standings with seven wins and five defeats in their 12 matches.

After a steady beginning to the season, they went on a six-game winning run before losing to Gujarat Titans in their last game prior to the IPL's suspension due to increasing India-Pakistan relations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Bairstow is a solid choice! His experience in Indian conditions will help MI in playoffs. But why are we always depending on foreign players? Our domestic talent like Tilak Varma deserves more chances. #SupportLocalTalent
P
Priya M.
MI's management always makes smart moves! 😊 Bairstow's record at Eden Gardens is amazing. Hope he can recreate that magic for us in playoffs. But the real question - will we even qualify? Our bowling needs serious work!
A
Arjun S.
Typical IPL - foreign players come and go like tourists. The league should prioritize giving Indian youngsters consistent opportunities instead of these last-minute replacements. What about Dewald Brevis? He's been warming the bench all season!
S
Sanjana R.
Bairstow's strike rate of 144 is exactly what MI needs in playoffs! But I'm worried about his recent form. He hasn't played international cricket in almost a year. Hope he's not coming just for the paycheck. 🤞
V
Vikram J.
As a die-hard MI fan, I'm excited but also frustrated. Every year same story - foreign players leave during crucial matches. BCCI should negotiate better with other boards to prevent this. We invest so much in these players!
N
Neha P.
Richard Gleeson at 37? Really MI? 😅 We have so many talented Indian pacers who could use this opportunity. The foreign player obsession needs to stop. IPL is becoming more about money than developing Indian cricket.
K
Karan D.

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