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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which was abruptly halted midway due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, is finally set to resume. The league will recommence on May 17 with a high-stakes clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a match that promises to draw attention from global cricket fans.
The IPL 2025 season, which was originally scheduled to conclude with the final on May 25, has now been restructured. The playoff stage will be held from May 29 to June 3, with venues expected to be finalized shortly. The IPL final now overlaps with the ODI series between England and West Indies, raising major concerns regarding player availability.
Mumbai Indians to be hit by player unavailability
While the resumption has come as a relief to franchises, it has also brought logistical complications. Several overseas stars who were central to their team’s plans might not return for the remainder of the tournament due to international cricket commitments during the same period. The Mumbai Indians (MI) could be one of the most affected franchises, especially with key overseas players set to miss the business end of the tournament. One such name is Will Jacks, the dynamic England all-rounder who has been pivotal in MI’s middle order this season.
Jacks was bought for INR 5.25 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, and he has proven to be a valuable investment with his power-hitting and handy off-spin. In what might have been his last appearance this season, he scored a fluent 53 off 35 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Wankhede Stadium in early May. However, with Jacks named in England’s ODI and T20I squad for their home series against West Indies, his return to the IPL now looks unlikely.
Also READ: South Africa makes U-turn on barring WTC final bound players from participating in IPL 2025
3 players who can replace Will Jacks in the MI squad for remaining IPL 2025
1. Raj Angad Bawa
Profile:
- Role: Batting All-rounder (Medium Pace)
- Age: 22
- Bought for: INR 30 Lakh in IPL 2025 Auction
- Previous IPL Teams: Punjab Kings (2022), Mumbai Indians (2025)
Why he can replace Will Jacks:
Raj Bawa brings a strong all-round package similar to Jacks, offering explosive batting in the middle order and seam bowling. A star of India’s U-19 World Cup 2022-winning team, Bawa has the temperament and flair for big stages. He made his MI debut in a match this season against Lucknow Super Giants, stepping in for Rohit Sharma due to injury, which already indicates the management’s trust in his abilities.
Strengths:
- Can accelerate in the middle overs.
- Handy 5th or 6th bowling option.
- High-intensity fielding.
Impact potential:
In the absence of Jacks, Bawa can slot in as a batting all-rounder to maintain balance. If he gets a few consistent games, his energy and youth could revitalize MI’s Indian core.
2. Bevon Jacobs
Profile:
- Role: Top-order batter, Medium pace bowler
- Age: 23
- Nationality: South African-born, represents New Zealand
- Bought for: INR 30 Lakh in IPL 2025 Auction
Why he can replace Will Jacks:
Jacobs is tailor-made for Mumbai’s aggressive brand of cricket. In domestic leagues over the past two years, he’s racked up 381 runs at a strike rate of 143.8, including 22 sixes in 16 innings. His clean striking and fearless intent make him a near-like-for-like replacement for Jacks, especially as both are top-order batters with part-time bowling ability.
Strengths:
- Naturally aggressive with powerplay impact.
- Bowls medium pace, adds balance to the XI.
- Mentally ready for high-pressure matches.
Impact potential:
With Jacks potentially unavailable, Jacobs could open or play at No. 3 depending on team balance. His six-hitting prowess gives MI a strong chance to maintain momentum upfront.
3. Charith Asalanka
Profile:
- Role: Middle-order batter, Occasional off-spinner
- Age: 27
- Nationality: Sri Lanka
- Recent form: Strong in T20Is, especially in the middle overs
Why he can replace Will Jacks:
Asalanka offers balance and composure in the middle order. A left-hander who handles spin well and accelerates smartly at the back end, Asalanka can be a strategic pick in spin-friendly venues or matches where MI needs control and stability after the powerplay.
Strengths:
- Plays spin well perfect for Indian conditions.
- Can bat at No. 4 or 5 to anchor or accelerate.
- Bowls handy off-spin useful in the middle overs.
Impact potential:
He may not replicate Jacks’ raw hitting, but Asalanka offers calculated aggression and tactical value. His presence also opens up flexibility in overseas combinations if MI wants to balance the lineup better.
- If MI wants to stick to a top-order hitter: Bevon Jacobs is the most natural Jacks replacement.
- If they want an all-rounder who bowls medium pace: Raj Bawa offers Indian flexibility and balance.
- If they want Stable middle-order anchor and left-hand spin player: Charith Asalanka is the best strategic option.
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