Jonny Bairstow may join the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians temporarily as a substitute for Will Jacks if the team advances to the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Jacks has arrived in India and is set to play in the final two league matches for MI. However, since he has been included in England’s squad for the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies starting May 29, Jacks will need to depart India for national duties if MI makes it to the playoffs. The round-robin stage of the IPL concludes on May 27, while the playoffs commence on May 29.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Bairstow is likely to succeed his fellow countryman for the playoffs, pending a No-Objection Certificate. The seasoned wicketkeeper-batter was not sold in the mega-auction last November and has not represented England in any format since June 2024. Bairstow would head to India after leading Yorkshire against Surrey in the County Championship this week, and he would primarily miss one Championship match along with two T20 Blast games if the arrangement with MI goes ahead.
Jacks has significantly contributed to MI’s performance, particularly during its turnaround after a poor start to the season. He has accumulated 195 runs in nine innings, yielding an average of 24.38 and a strike rate of 129.14, alongside taking five wickets in IPL 2025.
Jonny Bairstow IPL records
On the other hand, Bairstow has played 50 IPL matches, amassing 1,589 runs with an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.46. Last season, he produced a match-winning century for Punjab Kings against the eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders, assisting his team in chasing down a record target of 262 runs at Eden Gardens.
Currently, MI has 14 points from 12 matches, with seven wins and five losses. The Mumbai franchise will continue their campaign on Wednesday, May 21, when they face Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium.