IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Add Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson After Losing Jacks and Rickelton

May, 31 2025

Mumbai Indians Turn to Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson for IPL 2025 Push

The IPL 2025 season just got a shake-up for the Mumbai Indians, and not the kind fans were expecting as the team gears up for the playoffs. Both Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton have packed their bags for international cricket—you probably saw Jacks heading off to England's team for the West Indies series. Rickelton got the same call from his country, leaving two glaring gaps in the MI squad that needed instant fixes.

Mumbai didn’t waste time. Jonny Bairstow, known for his explosive starts and steady hands behind the stumps, steps in for Jacks. Bairstow’s arrival means not just an experienced opener but also a reliable wicket-keeper, freeing up the team to juggle the rest of their batting order. With Bairstow taking the gloves, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav don’t have to rethink their usual roles. But it does mean a shuffle in the middle order—Suryakumar is likely to step up to the No. 3 position. The vacant slot in the line-up will see competition between Charith Asalanka, who brings handy off-spin, and power-hitter Bevon Jacobs. Mumbai’s management is betting that this flexibility will keep the team’s momentum going even after losing two key players mid-tournament.

Fresh Additions and Strategic Shifts in the MI Line-Up

Richard Gleeson, the English fast bowler, has come in to fill the shoes of Ryan Rickelton. While Gleeson is no stranger to T20 pressure, he’s not expected to simply slot into a one-to-one role. Rickelton’s exit leaves a gap in wicket-keeping depth, but that’s neatly covered by Bairstow. With Gleeson on board, Mumbai now has another pace resource alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. That means MI could field three frontline quicks if conditions suit, or rotate them around depending on opposition line-ups and pitch reports.

The real test will be how Mumbai adapts its batting order and matches the aggression that Will Jacks was known for. Jacks was always on the attack during powerplays, often setting up brisk starts. Bairstow has the pedigree to do the same—he’s scored freely in the IPL before, both as an opener and wicket-keeper. If he clicks, Mumbai’s new top order could turn out to be just as threatening as before. Asalanka’s all-round abilities give MI a tactical option in the middle—he might be used as a floater, jumping in where needed whether with the bat or as a part-time spinner. Bevon Jacobs, yet to prove himself on the big stage, offers raw hitting power but will have to show he's up for playoff pressure.

Mumbai’s core stays intact despite these moves. Hardik Pandya continues to lead, surrounded by senior players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Bumrah and Boult remain the backbone of the attack, with the option to now rotate an extra international quick in the form of Richard Gleeson. Playoff cricket is all about adapting to loses and finding replacements who can slot in without major disruption. Mumbai’s latest signings show they’re not just plugging gaps—they’re aiming to stay unpredictable and tough to beat even as the season heats up.