New Delhi [India], May 20: Ahead of the crucial final stages of the IPL 2024 season, Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, and England pacer Richard Gleeson as replacements for Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, and Ryan Rickelton, who are leaving for national duties, according to an IPL Media Advisory.
Will Jacks, who briefly returned to India, will be unavailable for the remainder of the season due to England’s upcoming home ODI series against the West Indies, starting May 29, which clashes with the IPL playoffs. Similarly, South African players Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are required to return home by May 27 to join their World Test Championship final squad, as requested by Cricket South Africa, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Jonny Bairstow, a key member of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad, brings substantial experience to the MI camp. With 287 international appearances and 50 IPL matches under his belt, Bairstow has scored 1,589 IPL runs at an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45, including two centuries. He previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.
Charith Asalanka, the current captain of Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is, is also a valuable addition. The left-handed batter has played 134 international matches and scored 1,247 runs in 58 T20Is, averaging 24.45 with a strike rate of 128.55.
Fast bowler Richard Gleeson, known for his death-over skills, has represented England in six T20Is. He made his IPL debut last season with Chennai Super Kings, appearing in two games.
Mumbai Indians, currently placed fourth on the points table with seven wins and five losses, are gearing up for their last two league matches against Delhi Capitals (May 21) and Punjab Kings (May 26). The roster changes come at a crucial juncture as MI looks to secure a playoff berth and maintain momentum in the knockout stages.