Mumbai Indians (MI) are currently sitting in fourth place on the IPL 2025 points table. While concerns over the availability of international players have been circulating, MI have no such issues with their player Will Jacks, who has returned to join the squad.
With two matches left before the playoffs begin, Jacks’ return has come as a relief. However, if MI qualify for the knockout stage, Jacks will miss out due to international commitments.
Jacks is set to join England for their ODI series against the West Indies, a commitment he had made prior to the IPL. According to ESPN Cricinfo, MI are already in talks with his countrymen Jonny Bairstow as a potential replacement. He will be able to join the squad subject to receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and only if MI secure a place in the playoffs. Currently, they are well-positioned with seven wins and five losses from their 12 matches.
MI in talks with Bairstow
Widely known for his stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Bairstow has played 50 matches across five IPL seasons. He represented SRH from 2019 to 2021, followed by PBKS in the 2022 and 2024 seasons. During this time, he notched up two centuries, boasting an impressive strike rate of 144.45 and an average of 34.54.
Despite his strong record, Bairstow went unsold in the 2025 auction, with no franchise picking him up. Now under consideration by MI, this could be a key opportunity for him to showcase his skills—if given the chance.
Jacks, meanwhile, has been a valuable contributor for MI this season. In nine innings, the all-rounder has scored 195 runs and taken five crucial wickets. He was bought by MI at the IPL 2025 auction for INR 5.25 crore.
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