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In a light-hearted and memorable moment at the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mumbai Indians (MI) owner Akash Ambani sparked laughter and intrigue by personally thanking the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management. The gesture came after RCB chose not to use their Right to Match (RTM) card for English all-rounder Will Jacks, allowing MI to secure him for ₹5.25 crore.
The Auction Day Drama
The bidding war for Will Jacks was intense, with Mumbai Indians battling it out with Punjab Kings (PBKS). As MI successfully closed the deal, Akash Ambani was visibly surprised that RCB refrained from exercising their RTM option for the dynamic English player. Ambani stood up during the proceedings and later approached the RCB management for an impromptu handshake, a move that caught the attention of everyone present in the auction hall.
Why Will Jacks?
Will Jacks, who made his IPL debut in the 2024 season, has already demonstrated his explosive capabilities. In his first IPL outing, Jacks played eight matches, accumulating 230 runs at a blistering strike rate of 175.57. His standout performances included a sensational 41-ball century and a crucial half-century, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous T20 batter.
In addition to his batting prowess, Jacks contributed as a part-time off-spinner, picking up two wickets in the last IPL season. This all-round ability made him a valuable asset for Mumbai Indians, who are known for leveraging versatile players.
Jacks’ T20 Credentials
Will Jacks’ impressive record in T20 cricket further justifies Mumbai Indians’ hefty investment. Across 191 T20 matches, Jacks has amassed 4847 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 157.62. His tally includes four centuries and 32 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver impactful performances.
Mumbai Indians’ Strategy
The acquisition of Will Jacks aligns with MI’s strategy to build a dynamic and balanced squad for IPL 2025. Known for their sharp decision-making and focus on developing future stars, MI is banking on Jacks’ ability to anchor and accelerate the innings, especially in high-pressure situations. His part-time spin also provides a useful bowling option, adding depth to their all-rounder arsenal.
The Auction Hall Moment
The interaction between Akash Ambani and the RCB management was one of the auction’s most talked-about moments. It reflected not only the competitive spirit of the teams but also the camaraderie shared between franchises. Akash’s gesture was seen as a lighthearted acknowledgment of RCB’s decision, which ultimately worked in MI’s favor.
What’s Next for Will Jacks?
Joining a team with a rich history of success, Will Jacks will look to make a mark in his new colors. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah as teammates, Jacks has an excellent environment to hone his skills further and contribute to MI’s pursuit of their sixth IPL title.
Fans are eager to see how Jacks fits into the MI lineup and whether his explosive batting and handy off-spin will make him a game-changer in the upcoming season.
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2025 mega auction was filled with excitement, and the acquisition of Will Jacks by Mumbai Indians added another layer of intrigue. Akash Ambani’s unexpected gesture towards RCB highlighted the lighter side of the intense auction dynamics.
As the cricketing world gears up for IPL 2025, all eyes will be on Will Jacks to see if he can justify MI’s faith and help them achieve yet another successful campaign.
