He may have emerged as an Indian Premier League superstar after his blockbuster 41-ball 100 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League’s 2024 edition.
Cut to 2025, and Will Jacks has proven to be more than a handy offspinner for his new IPL outfit. In a format where the role of an offspinner is increasingly getting redundant, Jacks has emerged as a reliable spin option for Mumbai Indians.
And his all-round display – two for 14 off three overs and 36 off 25 – meant he walked away with the player of the match award against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night.
Jacks not only contained the ferocious left-handed trio of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Ishan Kishan – dismissing the latter duo – but also displayed his prowess on a sticky surface by bowling five dot balls to Heinrich Klaasen, arguably the best batter against spin in the shorter formats.
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“If you bowl tentatively to people like that, it’s only going to end one way. Originally, I thought I was going to bowl in the PowerPlay. I didn’t, so I had a bit more protection,” Jacks said after the match.
“I knew I could bowl with confidence and use my skills: I am a tall bowler, I get good turn and bounce, so that’s what I was trying to do.”
Jacks’ impressive performance with the ball rubbed off on his batting as he made a vital contribution after Rohit Sharma got MI off to a flier. If he carries on in the same vein, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co. will have to be wary of him in Sunday’s marquee clash.
