IPL 2025: Jonny Bairstow set to replace Will Jacks at Mumbai Indians

Jonny Bairstow is reportedly in talks with Mumbai Indians (MI) as he could join the Hardik Pandya-led side as a temporary replacement for Will Jacks if they are to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs.

Jacks has arrived in India and will play MI's last two league games. However, because he has been named in England's squad for their upcoming ODI and T20I series against the West Indies, which begins on May 29, Jacks will have to leave India to fulfill national duty if MI progress to the playoffs. The round-robin phase of the IPL ends on May 27 and the playoffs begin on May 29.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Bairstow is in line to replace his compatriot for the playoffs, subject to a No-Object Certificate. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter went unsold at November's mega-auction, and has not played for England in any format since June 2024. Bairstow would travel to India after captaining Yorkshire against Surrey at The Oval in the County Championship this week, and would mostly miss one Championship match and two T20 Blast fixtures if the deal with MI transpires.

Jacks has played an important role for MI, especially in its resurgence after the five-time champions got off to a disastrous start this season. He has scored 195 runs in nine innings at an average of 24.38 and a strike rate of 129.14. Jacks has also bagged five wickets in IPL 2025.

Meanwhile, Bairstow has played 50 IPL games, scoring 1,589 runs at an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.46. He scored a match-winning century for Punjab Kings last season against eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders and helped his team chase down a record 262-run target at the Eden Gardens.

MI have 14 points after playing 12 matches. They have won seven and lost five. The Mumbai-based franchise will resume their campaign on Wednesday, May 21, when they take on Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium.