'Woke up to a big surprise' - Uncapped New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs reacts after being picked by Mumbai Indians at IPL 2025 mega auction

Mumbai Indians (MI) surprised the cricket fraternity when they signed uncapped New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs on Day 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday, November 25.

Mumbai Indians are known for throwing surprises at the auction table. Over the years, some of their signings have befuddled cricket enthusiasts. They roped in Under-19 World Cup star Dewald Brevis before he made his first-class debut. Krishmar Santokie, the Jamaican seamer, was the first overseas player to appear in the IPL before making his first-class debut. He also represented Mumbai Indians in 2014. The Mumbai-based franchise has earned the right to back their instincts as it has helped them to win the IPL title on five occasions, which is the joint-most in the competition.

The 22-year-old Jacobs admitted that he was surprised to find his name in the MI squad after waking up in the morning.

 “It was definitely a long shot. I woke up this morning with the big surprise and it was a surprise, it was awesome to see and I think it’s just been a bit overwhelming. I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I’m very grateful for it," Jacobs told RNZ.

Also Check: MI Team 2025 Player List: Complete Mumbai Indians (MI) Squad and Players List for IPL 2025

If I get game time that’s definitely a bonus: Bevon Jacobs

The South African-born understands that breaking into the first XI will not be an easy task for him as there are some world-class overseas cricketers in the MI squad. However, he is keen to pick the brains of the star players in the setup and improve his craft.

“It’s just a massive opportunity. If I get game time that’s definitely a bonus. But just going over there and being able to learn as much as I can from the best in the world, that’s probably the main takeaway for me. Just seeing how much I can absorb while I’m over there,” Jacobs stated.

He has amassed 134 runs from six T20 innings at an average of 33.50. While he is yet to score a half-century, his strike rate is an impressive 188.73. Ahead of his IPL stint, Jacobs has his sights on the impending Super Smash 2024-25, where he will be representing Auckland. He is expected to play in the season opener against Northern Knights at Seddon Park, Hamilton on December 26

“Knowing that it (IPL) is a few months away I’m just keeping my head down a bit and I know that I’ve got to look at what’s in front of me and that’s still trying to put my best foot forward for Auckland,” he concluded.