In the space of a few weeks, Will Jacks’ name has gone from IPL trade boards to England’s Test squad list, a twist that captures cricket’s unpredictability in full swing. The English all-rounder, bought by the Mumbai Indians for ₹5.25 crore after a fierce bidding war, now finds himself on the potential release list for the 2026 auction.

 

The irony is that at the same time as Jacks is preparing to take on the biggest opportunity of his cricketing career, Suresh Raina, who has already said his MI IPL stint was over, did not have nearly the same amount of success with the bat (he scored 233 runs from 13 games). He played in 4 different batting roles, but could never meet the expectations of performance based upon the large amount of money invested in him.

 

The Role That Never Settled

 

Jack’s biggest challenge wasn’t talent; it was timing. Mumbai’s batting order resembled a revolving door, and Jacks was pushed through every slot from opener to No.7. For a player whose rhythm depends on clarity, that constant shuffle was lethal.

 

His highest impact came not with the bat but with the ball, six wickets at an economy of 8.57, often breaking partnerships against left-handers. But when a franchise pays over ₹5 crore, it expects a match-winner, not a tactical cameo. MI’s problem was using Jacks like a spare part in a machine that needed recalibration.

 

Raina’s Retention Logic Reveals Mumbai’s Priorities

 

Suresh Raina’s comment wasn’t just about Jack’s; it was about MI’s philosophy. Retain the proven, release the uncertain. Rohit Sharma, Trent Boult, and Deepak Chahar — together consuming over ₹38 crore still form the heartbeat of Mumbai’s core.

 

This method clearly conveys that MI wants to be reliable rather than try new things after a poor season when they didn’t have much punch from their bowling. The main reason for this is that Mumbai will be reducing its squad size as a long-term strategy of maintaining short-term stability. While Jacks has shown some great moments of brilliance, there was no evidence that he had enough confidence to help keep an MI middle order in the mix during high-pressure situations.

 

Ashes Selection: A Twist in the Timing

 

Ironically, Jack’s Test call-up for the 2025–26 Ashes could reinforce MI’s hesitation. His commitment to the England setup during the IPL window has already been questioned internally by franchises. The Optus Test starts November 21, barely weeks after the IPL auction deadline, meaning MI would be gambling on a player whose availability isn’t even guaranteed.

 

In that light, Raina’s fold comment feels less like a critique and more like common sense. Jack’s red-ball rise might have come at the expense of his T20 reputation.

 

Will’s cricket career isn’t failing; he’s just playing for the wrong team. Will’s a very adaptable cricketer, able to hit many different types of shots, would best suit a flexible type of team like Punjab or RCB; teams that can adapt and move around as needed. While it could be the end of Will’s IPL story, Will’s overall cricketing career is far from over. In fact, it is looking to continue well into the future, including possibly the upcoming Ashes.

 

Key Takeaway

 

Mumbai’s decision to release Will Jacks says less about his ability and more about their return to reliability over risk.

 

FAQs

 

1. Why is Will Jacks likely to be released by the Mumbai Indians?

 

His IPL season lacked consistent impact, and MI prioritizes proven performers during their rebuild.

 

2. How did Jacks perform in IPL 2025?

 

He scored 233 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 135.47 and took six wickets, but never cemented a fixed batting role.

 

3. What does Jacks’ Ashes call-up mean for his IPL future?

 

It complicates his availability for the IPL, making him a risky retention for any franchise ahead of the 2026 season.

 

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.

 

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