The Mumbai Indians on Tuesday made late replacements in their IPL squad, putting in Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka in the spots of Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch, who will be busy full time playing for their nations after the last league game.
Jonny Bairstow, an English wicketkeeper batsman, has entered this squad for Rs 5.25 crore in place of Will Jacks. His presence and vast experience would be a good boost to MI’s batting line-up should they proceed to the playoffs. Another English player Richard Gleeson, however, will act as a rifle bowler in place of Ryan Rickelton. He was bought at his reserve price of Rs 1 crore to add value to the bowling strength. At the same time, Sri Lankan Charith Asalanka stands in for Corbin Bosch at assembly money of Rs 75 lakh, adding all-round muscle as MI gets into the crucial playoff phase.
Depending on whether Mumbai Indians make it through, these new signings will be eligible to play from the playoffs onwards. MI will have to win against Delhi Capitals this Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium in an almost knockout match for them in the league. They currently sit fourth on the IPL points table with 14 points from 12 games. If they get through, they will join Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings for the playoffs.
