How much did MI spend to sign Bairstow, Asalanka & Gleeson?
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen its fair share of surprises, with teams making last-minute changes to their squads. One of the most significant developments in recent times came when the Mumbai Indians (MI) announced that they would be replacing Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch with Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson. While this move has generated a lot of excitement among fans, the question on everyone’s mind is – how much did MI spend to sign these new players?
According to reports, Jonny Bairstow was signed by MI for a whopping ₹5.25 crore, making him one of the most expensive signings of the season. This is not surprising, given Bairstow’s impressive form in recent times, including a stellar performance in the 2023 World Cup. The English batsman is known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to perform under pressure, making him a valuable addition to the MI squad.
The other two players who joined the MI squad, Charith Asalanka and Richard Gleeson, were signed for significantly lower amounts. Asalanka, a Sri Lankan batsman, was picked up by MI for ₹75 lakh, while Gleeson, an English pacer, joined the team for ₹1 crore. While these amounts may seem relatively low compared to Bairstow’s, they are still significant investments for any IPL team.
So, what led MI to make these changes to their squad, and how will these new players impact their chances in the tournament? Let’s take a closer look.
Why did MI make these changes?
MI’s decision to replace Jacks, Rickelton, and Bosch with Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson was likely driven by a combination of factors. One of the main reasons was the team’s performance in the early stages of the tournament. Despite having a strong squad on paper, MI had struggled to find their rhythm, with several players underperforming.
Jacks, in particular, had struggled to make an impact, scoring just 15 runs in three matches before being released. Rickelton, who was signed by MI last season, had also failed to live up to expectations, scoring only 23 runs in two matches. Bosch, a young fast bowler, had shown some promise but was ultimately released due to a lack of opportunities.
By releasing these players and signing new ones, MI aimed to inject some fresh blood into their squad and provide themselves with more options. Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson bring a unique set of skills to the table, and their addition is likely to strengthen MI’s batting and bowling departments.
What can we expect from Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson?
Jonny Bairstow is a highly experienced player who has played for several franchises in the IPL. He is known for his aggressive style of play, which has earned him the reputation of being one of the most destructive batsmen in the world. Bairstow’s ability to perform under pressure and his experience of playing in high-pressure situations will be invaluable to MI.
Charith Asalanka, on the other hand, is a young and talented batsman who has shown some impressive form in recent times. He has played for Sri Lanka in several international matches and has a strong record in the T20 format. Asalanka’s ability to play both as an opener and in the middle order will provide MI with some valuable flexibility in their batting lineup.
Richard Gleeson is a pace bowler who has played for several franchises in the IPL. He is known for his ability to bowl at a high pace and has a strong record in the T20 format. Gleeson’s addition to the MI squad will provide them with some much-needed depth in their bowling department, and his ability to bowl in the death overs will be particularly valuable.
Conclusion
MI’s decision to sign Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson has generated a lot of excitement among fans, and it will be interesting to see how these players perform for the team in the remainder of the tournament. While the amounts spent on these players may seem significant, they are likely to provide a strong return on investment for MI.
As the tournament progresses, we can expect to see these players make a significant impact on the game. Bairstow’s aggression, Asalanka’s form, and Gleeson’s pace will provide MI with a formidable combination, and it will be exciting to see how they perform together.
News Source:
