Jonny Bairstow is on the brink of joining Mumbai Indians for the IPL play-offs, stepping in for Will Jacks, subject to their qualification. Jacks finds himself back in India for Mumbai’s concluding group-stage matches but won’t be around for the final phases, as his England duties take precedence during the ODI series against the West Indies. This scheduling overlap, due to the reorganisation of the knockout matches, has led to the potential signing of Bairstow, contingent on acquiring a No-Object Certificate.
Having been overlooked in the mega-auction last November, Bairstow hasn’t represented England in any format since June 2024. His itinerary involves captaining Yorkshire against Surrey at The Oval this week, with a possible IPL engagement potentially sidelining him from one County Championship encounter and a couple of T20 Blast games.
Across five IPL seasons, Bairstow has donned the colours of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, showcasing steady performances with an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45. Notably, he registered two IPL centuries, including a memorable knock in a record-breaking chase at Eden Gardens last season.
Will Jacks has proven invaluable to Mumbai Indians this season, partaking in 11 of their initial 12 group matches. Contributing 195 runs in nine innings, alongside five wickets via his off-spin, Jacks earned player-of-the-match distinctions versus Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants in recent home clashes.
Mumbai Indians currently reside fourth in the points table with two group games left against Delhi Capitals on 21 May and Punjab Kings on 26 May. Their campaign, marked by a six-game winning streak, stumbled with a close defeat to Gujarat Titans before the IPL was paused due to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
Additionally, MI anticipates the absence of Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch in the play-offs, following their selection for South Africa’s squad in the impending World Test Championship final.
Matt Roller reports as an assistant editor for ESPNcricinfo.
