IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Sign Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka Ahead of Playoffs
As the IPL 2025 season heads into its final phase, Mumbai Indians (MI) have made important changes to their squad. With some players leaving due to national duties, MI has brought in three experienced international cricketers – Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka. These signings come at a crucial time, just before the playoffs, and could play a key role in strengthening the team.
If you’re a fan of the IPL or follow Mumbai Indians closely, this is a major update that could impact the team’s performance in the remaining matches. Here’s a complete breakdown of the new additions, what they bring to the table, and how they fit into MI’s strategy for the rest of the season.
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Why Mumbai Indians Made These Replacements?
As with every IPL season, several overseas players need to leave mid-season to fulfil national commitments. This year, Mumbai Indians had to release three foreign players: Will Jacks (England), Ryan Rickelton (South Africa), and Corbin Bosch (South Africa). These departures left significant gaps in both the batting and bowling departments.
To address this, MI signed:
- Jonny Bairstow as a replacement for Will Jacks
- Richard Gleeson to take the place of Ryan Rickelton
- Charith Asalanka in place of Corbin Bosch
These players are expected to step in and help MI remain competitive as they push for a spot in the playoffs.
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Jonny Bairstow: Experience at the Top
Jonny Bairstow is no stranger to the IPL. He has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, and has made a name for himself as an explosive opener. Known for his aggressive batting style, Bairstow is capable of giving the team strong starts in the powerplay.
Although he was unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction held in November, Mumbai Indians have now brought him in at a price of ₹5.25 crore. His ability to bat at the top and keep wickets adds flexibility to the team combination.
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Richard Gleeson: Pacer with T20 Expertise
Richard Gleeson is a fast bowler from England who specialises in the T20 format. At 37 years old, he brings both experience and skill. He is known for bowling at a good pace and for taking crucial wickets in the middle and death overs. With Ryan Rickelton returning to national duty, MI needed a bowler who could deliver under pressure, and Gleeson fits that requirement.
He joins Mumbai Indians for ₹1 crore. While he may not be a household name in India, his performances in English domestic cricket and other franchise leagues have earned him respect as a dependable bowler.
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Charith Asalanka: Middle-Order Stability
Charith Asalanka is the captain of Sri Lanka’s white-ball cricket team and brings valuable experience in anchoring the innings. He replaces Corbin Bosch and is expected to provide stability to the middle order.
A left-handed batsman, Asalanka has been praised for his calm approach, especially in high-pressure situations. At ₹75 lakh, he’s a budget-friendly signing with a potentially big impact. His presence also brings a left-right batting balance, which can be tactically helpful in IPL matches.
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What These Signings Mean for Mumbai Indians?
These new additions are more than just replacements — they are part of a larger plan by Mumbai Indians to remain competitive. Each of the three players offers a different skillset that can help the team cover gaps caused by the departing players.
- Bairstow strengthens the top order with aggressive batting
- Gleeson adds pace and variation to the bowling attack
- Asalanka provides maturity and balance in the middle overs
Mumbai Indians are currently battling to finish in the top four and qualify for the playoffs. These players are eligible to play in the remaining matches and could be the difference in close contests.
Final Thoughts
The IPL is known for unexpected twists and last-minute changes, and this latest move by Mumbai Indians could be a smart one. The franchise has always believed in creating a balanced team, and with these signings, they have shown a clear intention to go deep in the tournament.
While fans will miss the performances of Will Jacks, Rickelton, and Bosch, the arrival of Bairstow, Gleeson, and Asalanka gives MI a new direction as they prepare for the playoffs.
To get the latest news, match previews, and expert opinions throughout IPL 2025, keep following Sky Sports.
