MI New Signing: The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a bold move by signing three new players as replacements just before the Playoffs. With some of their overseas stars set to leave for national duties after their last league match, MI have acted quickly to bring in experienced names for the crucial knockout stage.
MI Bring in New Firepower before Playoffs
Below you can find all the important details about Mumbai Indians’ latest signings. England’s Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka have been roped in to strengthen the team ahead of the Playoffs—provided MI qualify.
Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch are all set to return home for international commitments after MI’s match against Delhi Capitals on 26 May. This made it necessary for the franchise to find good replacements in time.
Mumbai Indians New Signing: Who is replacing whom and at what price?
- Will Jacks will be replaced by Jonny Bairstow, who joins Mumbai Indians for ₹5.25 crore. Bairstow’s experience as a wicketkeeper-batter is expected to add strength to MI’s batting line-up.
- Ryan Rickelton will be replaced by Richard Gleeson, the English fast bowler, who comes in at a base price of ₹1 crore.
- Corbin Bosch will be replaced by Charith Asalanka, the attacking Sri Lankan batter, for ₹75 lakhs.
These replacement players will only be available from the Playoffs stage. So, MI must qualify first to use their services.
Why replacements were needed
The IPL 2025 schedule had to be revised due to a one-week break after rising tensions at the India-Pakistan border. However, the new dates are now clashing with several international series. West Indies will play two ODI series between May 21 and June 3, and the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa is also scheduled for 11 June.
Due to these overlapping tournaments, many overseas players are heading back to their countries, and teams like MI are being forced to find suitable short-term replacements.
Important rule on temporary replacements
As per IPL rules, these temporary players signed after the suspension break cannot be retained for the 2026 season. The BCCI has clearly mentioned that “Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament” and “will not be eligible for retention next year.”
Will MI qualify for the Playoffs?
Currently, three teams—RCB, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings—have already made it to the Playoffs. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are still fighting for the last spot. Both have two league matches left.
MI are at 14 points, and DC are at 13. If MI beat Delhi in their next game on 21 May, they will directly enter the top four. If they lose, they’ll have to win their final game and hope Delhi loses one so that they can still make it through.
MI’s Remaining League Matches
- Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals – 21 May 2025 in Mumbai
- Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – 26 May 2025 in Jaipur
With Playoffs on the line, these last two games will decide if Bairstow, Gleeson, and Asalanka get to wear the MI jersey this season.
Mumbai Indians have made a smart move by bringing in proven international stars like Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka ahead of the IPL 2025 Playoffs. Their chances now rest on the last two league matches. If they win, fans could see Bairstow smashing sixes, Gleeson taking wickets, and Asalanka finishing games in style. The Playoffs drama is just getting started!
Also Read: LSG’s Digvesh Rathi Suspended for 1 Match After Heated Clash with Abhishek Sharma
FAQs
Who are the new players signed by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025?
Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka have been signed as replacements.
Why did MI need replacement players?
Will Jacks, Rickelton, and Bosch are leaving for national duties, so MI signed replacements.
Will the new players play the league matches?
No, they will be available only from the Playoffs stage if MI qualifies.
Can these replacement players be retained for IPL 2026?
No, temporary replacement players signed after the IPL break cannot be retained next season.
What are Mumbai Indians’ next matches?
They will play against Delhi Capitals on 21 May and Punjab Kings on 26 May 2025.
