Jonny Bairstow has made his mark on IPL 2025 in his short stint with the Mumbai Indians so far. Signed as a temporary replacement after Ryan Rickelton left due to national duty, the veteran has left a solid impression. Opening the batting, Bairstow has chipped in with valuable cameos in both of MI’s playoff games.
Jonny Bairstow steals the show in IPL 2025
Ryan Rickelton had proved to be a dependable opening batsman for Mumbai Indians this season. His absence left a gaping hole in the MI Playing XI with Hardik Pandya and Co into the playoffs. Enter Jonny Bairstow. The Englishman on Sunday smashed a quick-fire 38 to get his side off the blocks in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2.
Featuring against his former side, Bairstow struck at 158.33, with three boundaries and 2 sixes. He ensured MI did not lose their footing after the early wicket of Rohit Sharma. Just when he looked settled for a huge score, Jonny Bairstow gloved a scoop to Josh Inglis behind the stumps.
Rain break? No problem!#JonnyBairstow picked up right where he left off, punishing the short ball in sight!
Will he set the tone again with another sparkling start for #MI?
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https://t.co/ojL4yAtejV #IPLPlayoffs | #Qualifier2 | #PBKSvMI on Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/J0OwpZanif
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 1, 2025
His effort in the PBKS vs MI game follows his heroics in Mullanpur 48 hours earlier. Facing the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, the veteran struck 47 off just 22 balls. He put 79 with Rohit Sharma in the powerplay, Mumbai’s best powerplay score of IPL 2025.
New pastures in IPL 2026?
Bairstow was signed as a temporary replacement, meaning Mumbai Indians cannot retain the Englishman for next season. He went unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction, but now has found a new lease of life. The mini auction ahead of the IPL 2026 season could be money maker given his exploits this week in IPL 2025.
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