How much did MI spend to sign Bairstow, Asalanka & Gleeson?
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed its fair share of twists and turns, with teams making strategic moves to bolster their squads mid-tournament. One such team that has made significant changes to their roster is the Mumbai Indians (MI), who have roped in three new players to replace their underperforming stars. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of how much MI spent to sign Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson, and what these signings mean for the team’s chances in the tournament.
Replacing Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton
The first two players to make way for new recruits were Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton. Jacks, the English all-rounder, was replaced by Jonny Bairstow, a seasoned international player with a wealth of experience in the shortest format of the game. Bairstow, who has played for the England national team, has a reputation for being a destructive batsman and a skilled wicket-keeper. His addition to the MI squad is expected to bring a new dimension to the team’s batting lineup.
Rickelton, the South African opener, was replaced by Richard Gleeson, an English fast bowler. Gleeson has had a decent run in the domestic circuit, and his inclusion in the MI squad is likely to strengthen their bowling attack. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer already in the squad, Gleeson’s addition will provide MI with a formidable pace attack.
The Sri Lankan Spark: Charith Asalanka
The third player to join the MI squad is Charith Asalanka, a Sri Lankan all-rounder who has been making waves in the domestic circuit. Asalanka has been in excellent form, and his inclusion in the MI squad is expected to bring a fresh set of skills to the table. With his ability to bat in the middle order and bowl some tidy overs, Asalanka is likely to be a valuable asset for MI in the remainder of the tournament.
The Financial Details
So, how much did MI spend to sign Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson? According to the official announcement by the team, Bairstow was signed for a whopping ₹5.25 crore, making him one of the most expensive signings in the tournament. Gleeson, on the other hand, was acquired for a more modest ₹1 crore, while Asalanka came in for a bargain price of ₹75 lakh.
What do these signings mean for MI?
The signings of Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson are likely to have a significant impact on MI’s performance in the remainder of the tournament. Bairstow’s addition will provide MI with a new dimension in their batting lineup, while Gleeson’s inclusion will strengthen their bowling attack. Asalanka’s all-round abilities will also be a valuable asset for the team.
Moreover, these signings will also provide MI with some much-needed depth in their squad. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Quinton de Kock already in the squad, MI now have a more balanced lineup that can adapt to different situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MI’s decision to sign Bairstow, Asalanka, and Gleeson is likely to be a shrewd move that will pay dividends in the long run. The team has addressed their weaknesses by bringing in players who can provide a different kind of skillset to the table. While the financial outlay may seem significant, it’s a small price to pay for the potential rewards that these signings can bring.
As the tournament enters its final stages, MI fans will be eagerly watching their team’s performance, hoping that these new signings will be the catalyst for a successful run in the tournament.
