Mumbai Indians (MI) are in discussions to sign Jonny Bairstow as a temporary replacement for Will Jacks, should they qualify for the IPL playoffs.

Will Jacks has rejoined the MI squad for their remaining two group-stage matches. However, his participation in the playoff stages is uncertain due to his selection for England’s ODI series against the West Indies, which coincides with the rescheduled knockout phase of the IPL.

ESPNcricinfo reports that Bairstow is being considered to step in for Jacks during the playoffs, pending a No-Objection Certificate.

Bairstow was not picked in the November mega-auction and has not played for England since June 2024. If the IPL deal materializes, he would travel to India after captaining Yorkshire in a County Championship match this week, potentially missing one Championship game and two T20 Blast fixtures.

Bairstow has a solid IPL track record from his 50 appearances across five seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019-21) and Punjab Kings (2022 and 2024), boasting an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45, including two centuries.

Jacks has been a key player for MI this season, featuring in 11 of their 12 group-stage matches. He has contributed 195 runs in nine innings and taken five wickets with his off-spin bowling, earning two player-of-the-match awards in home victories.

Currently fourth on the points table, MI have two remaining group games against Delhi Capitals (May 21st) and Punjab Kings (May 26th). After a slow start, they had a strong run of six consecutive wins before narrowly losing to Gujarat Titans in their last match before the IPL’s suspension due to geopolitical tensions.

Adding to potential player availability issues, MI are also anticipating the absence of Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch for the playoffs, as both have been named in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final