Mumbai Indians have approached Sri Lanka's white-ball captain Charith Asalanka to sign for the team for the rest of the IPL 2025 season, it is learnt. The signing is a response to the franchise being hit by the unavailability of some of its key overseas players during the decisive playoff stage because of international commitments. South African cricketers Corbin Bosch and Ryan Rickelton, and England's Will Jacks, will likely sit out the playoffs if Mumbai Indians make it to the playoffs. With the resumption of IPL on May 17 after it was suspended for a week, MI is looking to bolster its team for the grueling fight ahead.

Asalanka, who is respected for his quality batting style and off-spin attack, is being viewed as Will Jacks' like-for-like replacement. The two batsmen both bat in the number three position and have the ability to open the batting when needed as well. Both of these added options are immensely valuable to the Mumbai lineup, given that captain Rohit Sharma captains the team.

Asalanka set to boost Mumbai Indians’ playoff push with key skills

Mumbai Indians are currently fourth in the points table with seven victories from twelve games. Their previous match before the suspension of the IPL was a defeat against the Gujarat Titans, so their remaining matches are important for playoff qualification. MI will have to win both of the next two matches to stay alive in the playoffs without depending on other outcomes.

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Despite talks between the Mumbai Indians and Asalanka reported to be taking place, there has been no public confirmation made by either party yet. The agreement could now be finalized, according to sources, with the IPL schedule pushed back to June 3 after previous disruptions, so a hectic and tense conclusion to the competition is a distinct possibility.

Asalanka's inclusion adds not just depth in batting but also a spin option to the well-balanced MI side. The Sri Lankan captain's expertise in white-ball cricket at the international level will be valuable in the pressure-cooker games to come. With the playoffs approaching, Mumbai Indians' decision to sign Charith Asalanka may be the turning point in their bid for a sixth IPL title. Fans will be keen to observe how this new addition affects the team's dynamics in the last part of the season.