Match 56 of IPL 2025 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) was an extraordinary match at the historic Wankhede Stadium. In this contest, MI lost, however, when considering individual performances, it was all Will Jacks and his explosive half-century, a half-century that MI needed to keep them in the game and entertain audiences across the globe. Full coverage of IPL 2025
Although MI have experienced highs and lows this season, Will Jacks innings injected flair and excitement into their campaign. There is no doubt, an innings like this would leave an impact on MI and cricket fans alike. Let us explore the impact of this destructive innings, context of the match and ramifications for MI moving forward in IPL 2025.
A Power-Packed Knock Under the Pump
After MI lost a couple of early wickets and were batting first, MI were under immediate pressure. The GT fast-bowlers (led by skipper Hardik Pandya) set a demanding line early on with the new ball, as they communicated their commitment in bowling with supreme control and considered aggression. It would not be long before MI were at 35-2 after 5.2 overs, when MI needed Will Jacks to approach the crease in an attack and anchor position.
Will Jacks looked in sublime touch from the first ball faced. He whipped the opening ball to the cover boundary with a discreet gap through exceptional timing and placement. Will’s footwork was confident and relaxed and was ready to attack pace and spin alike.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Runs: 53
Balls Faced: 30
4’s: 6
6’s: 3
Strike Rate: 176.66
Will Jacks brought up his fifty off just 27 balls, playing with controlled aggression and not just swinging for the fences – he chose his bowlers and their timings, but more importantly, was able to change the shape of the field and create gaps – even finding gaps when hitting spinners for good length balls.
One of the stand out points was his shot selection. Jacks was not shy to get down the pitch against spinners and hit through midwicket lofted, consistently. He also quickly got to the back foot when facing pace and yet again pulled and cut aggressively.
The Shift in Momentum
The momentum shifted to Mumbai while Jacks was there. The run rate increased and Gujarat’s bowlers were put under pressure. Jacks had stabilized the innings with the middle order and helped MI get over the 160 mark when at one stage it looked unlikely.
Jacks’ innings was not about the score – it was about absorbing pressure, and releasing intent at the right time. He was able to dominate the spinners during the middle overs that meant Gujarat had to rethink their plans and use their death bowlers earlier than they would have liked.
The Big Picture: Implications for MI
Despite MI losing the match due to a strong Gujarat chase, there is a lot of positives to take home from Jacks performance. He showed he could compete on cricket’s biggest stage in a squad full of big names where others struggled.
Looking back on MI’s previous matches, the top order has been questionable, and Jacks’ ability to perform in different positions gives MI flexibility and depth. It may also solidify places higher up the batting order for a Jacks in a smaller capacity, and also, in a good foreseeable future if MI make the playoffs.
It is also worth emphasizing that this innings was not just an aggressive innings, but a disciplined innings, built on what looked to be tactical awareness, of the progression of the game situation. Jacks played the role of aggressor at times and the stabilizer at others depending on the need of the team.
The Response From Fans and Experts
Cricket fans took to social media to praise the efforts of Jacks. There were positive reactions and everyone who attended marvelled at Jacks ability to play a properly pressure innings in the middle of a high-stakes game as a venue like Wankhede. Former cricketers and commentators praised his assuring persona and power hitting during the innings, many stating this was one of the most impactful innings by a foreign player this season of IPL.
One fans tweeted: “Will Jacks showed today why hes a future superstar. Elegant, fearless, and effective – exactly what MI needed!”
