Mumbai Indians Bring in Bairstow, Gleeson, and Asalanka as Replacements Ahead of Playoffs

Mumbai Indians have added some firepower to their squad just in time for the business end of IPL 2025, roping in England’s Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson, along with Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka, as temporary replacements. These new recruits will be available for MI starting from the playoffs — that is, if they make it through.

Bairstow comes in for Will Jacks, who’s off to represent England in the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies starting May 29. The hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, who surprisingly went unsold at the auction, joins MI at a price of INR 5.25 crore. Gleeson, the experienced England fast bowler, comes in as replacement for Ryan Rickelton. He has been picked up for INR 1 crore. Rickelton, who’s been MI’s second-highest run-getter this season behind Suryakumar Yadav, will head to England for South Africa’s preparations for the World Test Championship final. 

Asalanka replaces Corbin Bosch, another player bound for WTC duties. The Sri Lankan left-hander, who has never played in the IPL before, joins for INR 75 lakh and will be hoping to make his mark if he gets the chance. MI’s new signings will only be available from the playoffs onward, should the team qualify. The race for the final top-four spot is heating up, and it could all come down to MI’s crucial clash against Delhi Capitals this Wednesday — a do-or-die game that might well decide their fate. 

“I'm incredibly grateful to the club for understanding, continued support and look forward to getting stuck back in on my return,” Bairstow wrote on Instagram, referring to his temporary departure from Yorkshire. “This is a fantastic opportunity, and I'm excited to contribute to MI's campaign. Can't wait to get started and experience the energy of Mumbai.” Bairstow brings with him a wealth of IPL experience. In 50 appearances across five seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, he has averaged 34.54 at a strike rate of 144.45, notching up two centuries — one of which came in a historic chase at Eden Gardens last season. 

As for Gleeson, the 37-year-old quick had a brief IPL stint with CSK last year and will now look to make an impact in MI blue. Meanwhile, Asalanka joins a growing list of Sri Lankan talent trying their hand in the IPL, following the footsteps of Kusal Mendis earlier this season. 

While Jacks has been a handy presence for MI this year with 195 runs and five wickets, Rickelton’s departure will sting a little more — he’s been consistent at the top, scoring 336 runs in 12 innings at a healthy strike rate of 153.42. All three of MI’s outgoing players will be available for their final league stage game on May 26 against Punjab Kings before heading out for national duty. Whether Bairstow, Gleeson, and Asalanka get to feature will depend entirely on how MI fare in the next few days. 

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