Replacements to Strengthen Squad Post May 26, Subject to Playoff Qualification
New Delhi, May 20 – In a strategic move to maintain their momentum heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka as replacements for three overseas players who will leave for national duty after the team’s final league match on May 26.Trio to Replace Jacks, Rickelton, and Bosch
MI will be without England’s Will Jacks and South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch after their final league-stage clash against Punjab Kings. To fill the void, the franchise has made calculated additions:- Jonny Bairstow, England’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, has been roped in for INR 5.25 crore.
- Richard Gleeson, an English pacer, joins the squad at his base price of INR 1 crore, replacing Ryan Rickelton.
- Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan middle-order batter, will replace Corbin Bosch for INR 75 lakh.
Availability Hinges on Playoff Qualification
The newly signed overseas players will be available only from the playoffs stage, provided Mumbai Indians manage to secure a top-four finish. Currently positioned in the top four, MI’s playoff hopes hinge on their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday.Victory in that clash would cement their berth in the knockout rounds, enabling the new signings to bolster the team’s strength during the crucial final stages of the tournament.
