IPL 2025 / Big changes in MI before playoffs, these new players joined the team

Mumbai Indians have taken a big step before the crucial match against Delhi Capitals. Bairstow, Gleeson and Aslanka have been included in place of Riccarton, Bosch and Jacques who have gone on national duty. Now these experienced players will take the responsibility of making MI win.

IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians (MI) have taken a shocking and strategic decision ahead of the crucial match against Delhi Capitals. The team has dropped three foreign players who performed brilliantly this season – Ryan Ricalton, Corbin Bosch and Will Jacks – and replaced them with three experienced international cricketers. This change has surprised all cricket lovers, but there is also an important reason behind it – national duty.

National duty made a big impact

Ryan Ricalton and Corbin Bosch have been included in South Africa's World Test Championship final squad, while England all-rounder Will Jacks has been included in England's squad for the ODI series against the West Indies. As a result, these three players will no longer be able to play for MI in the remaining season of the IPL.

New faces joined the team

MI has turned this situation into an opportunity and added three experienced players to their team:

Jonny Bairstow – England's explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, who did not find any buyer in this season's auction, but has recently impressed the selectors with his brilliant performance in county cricket. Now he will replace Will Jacks.

Richard Gleeson – England fast bowler, who has been included in place of Ryan Rickelton. Gleeson's pace and ability to take wickets in the death overs can strengthen MI's bowling attack.

Charith Aslanka – Sri Lanka's limited overs captain and a reliable all-rounder, who will replace Corbin Bosch. His acumen and all-round ability can make him a trump card.

What can the new players bring to the team?

Rickelton made a significant contribution to the team this season by scoring 336 runs in 12 innings. His exit has created a big void in the batting order, the responsibility of filling which will now be on Bairstow's shoulders. At the same time, Corbin Bosch has pulled MI out of difficult situations on many occasions with his all-round abilities. Aslanka is now expected to provide stability to the middle order and depth in bowling.

Gleeson's presence will strengthen MI's fast bowling unit, especially in the death overs, his yorkers and variations can trouble the opposing batsmen.

Will these changes bring victory?

This change can now prove to be a big gamble for Mumbai Indians. The new players may not have been associated with the team for a long time, but their experience and recent form can bring MI back on the winning track. The match against Delhi Capitals will not only be important in the path to the playoffs, but it will also decide whether the team's gamble is right or not.