The Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025 potential playoffs looks balanced so far.
After the news of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 resuming, Will Jacks joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp. He will play MI’s last two league-stage games against Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 21 and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 26. However, if MI qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, Jacks will return to England while Jonny Bairstow will be a replacement.
Mumbai Indians have lined up Jonny Bairstow as a replacement for Will Jacks for the IPL play-offs (should they qualify). Story @ESPNcricinfo https://t.co/5HZsQMWSAK
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) May 15, 2025
So far, Jacks has made 195 runs in nine innings at an average of 24.37 and a strike rate of 129.13. Walking in at one down, the 26-year-old has made only one half-century so far. He crossed the 30-figure mark just once. With the ball, he has taken five wickets with his best of 2/14 coming against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Earlier, the IPL 2025 was scheduled to end on June 25. But an unexpected, week-long suspension has pushed the date of the final clash to June 3. The extension means the T20 league is clashing with the international fixtures.
England are hosting the West Indies for three ODIs and T20Is starting May 29. Jacks has been added to the white-ball cricket roster and is expected to reach England before the start of the bilateral series. If MI reaches the playoffs, the 26-year-old will be replaced by Bairstow.
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Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, and Will Jacks formed the top three for the Mumbai Indians. However, the Protea batter will also be unavailable for the Playoffs stage. The World Test Championship (WTC) final will be played at the home of cricket between Australia and South Africa on June 11.
Thus, Bairstow may be pushed up the order to open with Rohit. Though Bairstow is Jacks’ replacement, Rickelton’s spot will suit him the most.
Playing in his debut IPL season, Rickelton has slammed 336 runs in 12 games. Averaging 30.54 and striking at 153.42, he has three half-centuries to his name.
After being released by Punjab Kings last year, Bairstow went unpicked at the IPL 2025 mega auction. He will have a chance to prove his mettle this year if MI grab a spot in the playoffs. However, as per the new rule, he cannot be retained next year.
Mumbai Indians sit in the fourth spot of the points table with 14 points from 12 games. If they win both games with a higher NRR, they can aim for a top-two finish.
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