As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 gears up to resume on May 17 following a brief suspension due to geopolitical tensions , teams are actively seeking replacements for overseas players who have returned to their home countries for national duties.
In this context, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have reportedly approached Charith Asalanka, the current white-ball captain of Sri Lanka, to join their squad for the remainder of the season. This move comes as MI faces potential absences of key overseas players like Corbin Bosch, Ryan Rickelton, and Will Jacks due to international commitments . While discussions are said to be underway, neither MI nor Asalanka has officially confirmed the development.
Asalanka has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in recent years. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has amassed over 2,100 runs at an average exceeding 43, including three centuries and 14 half-centuries . His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset in the middle order.
Currently, the Mumbai Indians are positioned fourth on the IPL 2025 points table, having secured 14 points from 12 matches, with a net run rate of +1.156, the highest in the league . With the playoffs approaching, bolstering their lineup with a player of Asalanka’s caliber could prove crucial in their quest for another title.
While the official confirmation is awaited, the potential inclusion of Asalanka adds an intriguing subplot to MI’s campaign as the tournament progresses towards its climax.
