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"These Decisions Are Never Easy": Bairstow Opens Up On Leaving Yorkshire To Play For MI

Soumyajit Dutta

Jonny Bairstow [Source: @CallMeSheri1/X]Jonny Bairstow [Source: @CallMeSheri1/X]

Mumbai Indians have roped in Jonny Bairstow along with two other international signings for the remainder of IPL 2025. Jonny is set to replace Will Jacks and will only be featured in the blue and gold jerseys in the playoffs if Mumbai qualifies.

Bairstow, the swashbuckling England batter and wicket-keeper was roped in at a hefty price of ₹5.25 crore and can be seen as a like-for-like replacement for Jacks if seen the batting potential of both these batters. Bairstow also shared his excitement for this opportunity on his social media with a special message.

Bairstow Excited Join Mumbai Indians!

Taking to his official Instagram handle, Jonny Bairstow expressed his excitement about joining Mumbai Indians for the first time. Jonny put up a heartfelt Instagram story.

"Thrilled to share that I'll be joining the Mumbai Indians for the remainder of the IPL season!" Bairstow wrote.

However, Bairstow cleared that the decision to play for MI was not easy since he has been leading Yorkshire in the County Championship Division One.  

"These decisions are never straightforward-especially given how much I have enjoyed leading Yorkshire this year. I'm incredibly grateful to the club for their understanding, continued support and look forward to getting stuck back in on my return," Bairstow added.

Bairstow's Yorkshire Stint

It is worth noting that Bairstow has been doing a pretty job leading Yorkshire for the County Championship Division One. Through his 12 innings for Yorkshire, the skipper has bagged 525 runs at an average of 52.50.

Notably, Bairstow has been consistent in the tournament with his figures of 89, 79, 77 and 86, promising the same firepower and consistency for Mumbai in the playoffs.

"This is a fantastic opportunity and I'm excited to contribute to MI's campaign. Can't wait to get started and experience the energy of Mumbai! See you soon!" Bairstow concluded.

Though Jonny Bairstow started his IPL stint back in 2019 for SRH, he has played 50 matches so far accumulating 1589 runs at a strike rate of 144.45.

With MI hanging in the balance for the playoffs, they will encounter a do-or-die clash against Delhi Capitals on May 21. If they win the match, Mumbai will need to secure the last game too to cement the top-four finish.