At the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Mumbai Indians secured England’s Will Jacks for ₹5.25 crore after a fierce bidding war with Punjab Kings. Jacks, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2024, delivered an impressive performance with 230 runs in 8 matches, a strike rate of 175.57, and a key role in a crucial chase against Gujarat Titans.
RCB, holding the Right to Match (RTM) card for Jacks, opted not to exercise it. This decision drew attention when Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani personally thanked RCB by shaking hands with Prathmesh Mishra, acknowledging the sportsmanship shown by the Bangalore franchise.
Why RCB Passed on Will Jacks
Despite Jacks’ impactful season, RCB chose to retain a strategic purse for other key players in the auction. His performance was notable, but RCB may have focused on bolstering other areas of their lineup, especially with the premium bids other franchises were willing to place on the English batter.
Will Jacks: A Key Addition for MI
Mumbai Indians see Jacks as a versatile all-rounder, strengthening their middle order and spin options. This acquisition aligns with MI’s refreshed strategy after past seasons’ challenges, especially in pairing their bowling arsenal of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
Akash Ambani on Auction Strategy
Ambani highlighted the dynamic nature of the auction process:
“You can’t have a preference on a certain player. The auction order dictates a lot. We’re thrilled to get Trent Boult back and excited about our other acquisitions, including Will Jacks and Allah Ghazanfar,” he said.
The MI owner also expressed optimism about their revised squad, emphasizing a stronger balance with the Boult-Bumrah partnership in their bowling lineup.
Key Signings by Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025
| Player | Base Price | Winning Bid | Capped/Uncapped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | ₹2 crore | ₹12.5 crore | Capped |
| Deepak Chahar | ₹2 crore | ₹9.25 crore | Capped |
| Will Jacks | ₹2 crore | ₹5.25 crore | Capped |
| Allah Ghazanfar | ₹75 lakh | ₹4.8 crore | Capped |
While RCB’s decision raised eyebrows, the move to focus on other strategic priorities underlines the unpredictability and tactics that make IPL auctions compelling. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians’ fans will be eager to see how Will Jacks contributes to the team’s pursuit of another title.
