Mumbai Indians have made significant changes to their squad for the remainder of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, bringing in England’s Jonny Bairstow as a replacement for all-rounder Will Jacks. The five-time IPL champions have also added Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka and England pacer Richard Gleeson, who will step in for Corbin Bosch and Ryan Rickelton respectively as the latter duo departs for national duties.
Bairstow’s inclusion adds considerable experience and firepower to Mumbai’s batting order. A seasoned campaigner with 287 international appearances for England, the 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was a vital part of the squad that lifted the 2019 ODI World Cup. His aggressive top-order style and versatility across formats make him a valuable asset as Mumbai look to bolster their playoff hopes.
Charith Asalanka, currently leading Sri Lanka in both ODI and T20I formats, brings leadership and middle-order stability. With 134 international appearances, Asalanka is known for his calm demeanor under pressure and ability to rotate strike effectively—traits that could prove vital in tight situations for the Mumbai franchise.
Adding depth to the bowling lineup, Richard Gleeson comes in as a proven performer in the death overs. With six T20I caps for England, the right-arm pacer is known for his sharp variations and late-game accuracy. His inclusion is expected to enhance Mumbai’s options during the closing stages of innings, an area where the team has sought improvement.
The shuffle comes as several overseas players are called back by their respective boards for national commitments, a common challenge late in the IPL season. By recruiting experienced international replacements, Mumbai Indians aim to maintain their competitive edge and push for a strong finish.
While the departure of players like Jacks, Bosch, and Rickelton poses a challenge, the arrivals of Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson reflect the franchise’s intent to remain adaptive and resilient. With the business end of the tournament approaching, these strategic additions could play a decisive role in shaping Mumbai’s campaign.
