Mumbai Indians Jonny Bairstow Lifeline, England Star Will Jacks IPL 2025 Playofflar

Mumbai Indians are in talks to sign Jonny Bairstow as a replacement player for IPL 2025. The veteran Englisman went unsold in the auction and will be available for the IPL 2025 playoffs. Bairstow will replace Will Jacks, who will miss the playoffs, should Hardik Pandya and Co qualify

Mumbai close in on Jonny Bairstow as IPL 2025 replacement player

Jonny Bairstow is no stranger to the IPL. The 33-year-old has featured in 50 games, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. A swashbuckling Wicketkeeper batsman, Bairstow went unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction.

Jonny Bairstow’s IPL career

He was then announced as Yorkshire captain and continued to play the County Championship. Should MI qualify, Bairstow will travel to India and miss 1 County Game and 2 T20 Blast fixtures. As per ESPNCricinfo, he will travel to India later this week.

Bairstow is out of favour with the England team after being dropped from all formats. He will replace Will Jacks, who was called up to both ODI and T20 Squads for the series against West Indies.

Bairstow might not be a like for like replacement for Jacks, but fixes a vital cog in the side. With Ryan Rickelton set to miss the playoffs due to WTC Final, Bairstow would slot in at the top as a keeper batsman. Rickelton is MI’s only viable keeper option, with Robin Minz struggling on debut. The 33-year-old could form a blockbuster opening partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.

The IPL introduced a rule that allows franchises to sign temporary replacements. Originally, no team is allowed to pick a replacement after 12 games. However, in such special circumstances, the BCCI relaxed that rule. However, players signed as replacements will not be allowed to retain ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. Alongside Bairstow, MI are also in talks to sign SL white ball captain Charith Asalanka.