Reports show that Asalanka can join Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025.
Charith Asalanka could be in for his maiden stint in the IPL. Reports suggest that the Mumbai Indians are eyeing the Sri Lankan star for the remainder of IPL 2025. The five-time champions are one of the most affected franchises due to IPL 2025’s revised schedule.
Charith Asalanka set for Mumbai Indians stint?
As per Sri Lankan news outlet NewsWire, the Mumbai Indians are in talks with Charith Asalanka to join them as a replacement player. With the IPL 2025 schedule seeing major changes due to the India-Pakistan conflict, BCCI allowed for temporary replacements this season. The Hardik Pandya-led side are amongst the worst affected, losing as many as 3 players to national duty. Asalanka, should he do well, will not be considered for retention, as per the rules.
Asalanka could slot in as a middle-order batter, and aid with some part-time spin. He was in fine form in the Sri Lanka vs Australia ODIs, scoring 127 and 78* in successive games. The 27-year-old featured for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20, but played only 3 games. The SL skipper’s final appearance saw him smash a 38-ball 74 in ADKR’s defeat to Dubai Capitals. Asalanka is a regular for Sri Lanka in T20Is, featuring in 58 games. He strikes at 128.55 for them, scoring 5 fifties.
Who will Asalanka replace?
Mumbai Indians are set to lose Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch and Will Jacks to international duty. Bosch and Rickelton have been named in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final. Jacks meanwhile is in England’s squad for both ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies.
The trio thus are unavailable should MI qualify for the playoffs. Hardik and Co have 14 points in 12 games with 7 wins. They face off against fellow playoff chasers Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.
Asalanka could become the second Sri Lanka to profit from IPL 2025’s revised schedule. Long-time teammate Kusal Mendis was snapped up by Gujarat Titans as Jos Buttler’s replacement.
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