Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson in Talks with Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025 Playoffs

Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson are reportedly in advanced discussions with Mumbai Indians to replace Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks for the IPL 2025 playoffs. With Jacks unavailable due to international duties and Rickelton returning home, MI is looking to bolster their squad. Bairstow, who has not played for England since June 2024, aims to make a comeback in the IPL after being unsold in the last auction. Meanwhile, Jacks has been a crucial player for MI this season. The team currently sits fourth in the standings, gearing up for their final group-stage matches. Discover more about their potential contributions and MI's playoff aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 10:33 IST

Mumbai Indians Eyeing Bairstow and Gleeson for Playoffs

Jonny Bairstow, the wicketkeeper-batter from England, along with batter Richard Gleeson, are reportedly in advanced discussions with Mumbai Indians (MI) to step in for Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks, should MI qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, according to sources from a sports news outlet.

Will Jacks has returned to India for MI's last two group-stage matches but will miss the playoffs due to international commitments, as England's ODI series against the West Indies begins on May 29, coinciding with the playoff schedule.

Ryan Rickelton is also set to be unavailable for the playoffs, as Cricket South Africa has requested players in their World Test Championship final squad to return home by May 27.

Bairstow's IPL Journey and Recent Auction Outcome

Should Bairstow finalize his deal with MI, he will head to India, marking his return to the IPL after not playing for England in any format since June 2024 and remaining unsold in the IPL 2024 auction.

Over five seasons, Bairstow has participated in 50 IPL matches, previously representing Punjab Kings in 2022 and 2024, as well as Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2019 to 2021.

He has accumulated 1589 runs in the league, boasting an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45, including two centuries, one of which was a record-setting chase against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens last year.

Will Jacks' Impact and Gleeson's IPL Debut

In IPL 2025, Will Jacks has emerged as a key player for MI, scoring 195 runs across nine innings and taking five wickets with his off-spin bowling. He has also earned player-of-the-match accolades in MI's home victories against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants.

Richard Gleeson, aged 37, made his IPL debut last year, featuring in two matches for Chennai Super Kings.

Currently, MI holds the fourth position in the points table with seven wins and five losses from 12 matches, ahead of their final two group-stage games against Delhi Capitals on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 26.

After a solid start to the season, MI enjoyed a six-match winning streak before their recent defeat to Gujarat Titans, which occurred just before the IPL was suspended due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.