Mumbai Indians (MI), a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly negotiating with Sri Lanka’s white-ball skipper, Charith Asalanka, to strengthen their roster for the IPL 2025 playoffs, a Newswire report revealed.
This is because MI might grapple with the potential absence of key overseas players due to clashing international schedules, pushing the franchise to seek replacements for the knockout phase, beginning May 29.
The adjusted IPL 2025 schedule, reshaped by geopolitical concerns between India and Pakistan, permits franchises to recruit temporary replacements, opening doors for players like Charith Asalanka to join.
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Charith Asalanka - MI’s Secret Weapon for IPL 2025 Playoffs?
Asalanka, a middle-order batter and part-time off-spinner, is a leading contender to fill gaps left by players like England’s Will Jacks and South Africa’s Corbin Bosch and Ryan Rickelton. Jacks is expected to join England’s ODI team for a home series against the West Indies, starting May 29, while Bosch and Rickelton are likely to return for South Africa’s preparations ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final versus Australia.
These departures could weaken MI’s squad, particularly with Rickelton’s reliability as an opener and wicket-keeper, Jacks’ all-round prowess and Bosch’s recent contributions.
"Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain Charith Asalanka has reportedly been approached by Mumbai Indians to join the squad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season," Newswire reported.
"The franchise is expected to miss key overseas players — South Africa’s Corbin Bosch and Ryan Rickelton, and England’s Will Jacks — if they qualify for the playoffs, due to international commitments," the report added.
At 27, Asalanka offers a robust T20 resume with 137 matches, 2,767 runs, 14 fifties and 27 wickets to his name. Asalanka’s ability to stabilise and accelerate innings positions him as a strong substitute for Jacks, though MI will need to address the wicket-keeping role likely to be vacated by Rickelton.
Should the deal materialise, Asalanka would join Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Mendis as the third Sri Lankan replacement player in IPL 2025.
Mumbai Indians Eyeing Playoff Berth in IPL 2025
Mumbai Indians are currently at fourth place on the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points from 12 matches. They remain firmly in the playoff race. If they win their remaining two matches, it will most likely confirm their playoff berth.
Mumbai Indians will face Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 21 in Jaipur. Their final league game is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 26 in Mumbai.
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