England’s dynamic batsman Jonny Bairstow could be set for a return to the Indian Premier League with Mumbai Indians if the five-time champions make it to the playoffs. Bairstow is likely to replace Will Jacks, who has been called up to England’s squad for the white-ball series against the West Indies. Jack’s is currently in India and slated to play Mumbai’s final two league matches against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.
Mumbai Indians, captained by Hardik Pandya, currently sit fourth on the IPL points table with 14 points from 12 games. They face a must-win situation in their remaining two fixtures to confirm a playoff berth. If they succeed, Jonny Bairstow, who went unsold at this year’s auction and has since been active in county cricket, will be added to the squad.
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Bairstow brings valuable IPL experience, having played 50 matches across stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in recent years. He has amassed 1,589 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144.45. One of his standout performances came last season when he blasted a century at Eden Gardens, causing a major upset for Kolkata Knight Riders on their home turf.
Mumbai Indians are reportedly lining up Jonny Bairstow to replace Will Jacks, if they qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/uJa3GVftPj
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) May 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Mumbai has relied heavily on Will Jacks this season. The all-rounder has featured in 11 matches, scoring 195 runs with a strike rate of 129.13 and picking up five wickets. Despite a half-century in his last outing against Gujarat Titans, Mumbai lost that match.
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In addition to Bairstow, Charith Asalanka is expected to join the squad for the playoffs. With openers Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch set to depart after the league phase, Asalanka could provide crucial middle-order stability, strengthening Mumbai’s lineup in the crunch matches.
