Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow

Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
DOB: 26 September 1989
IPL Team (2026): Punjab Kings
Base Price: ₹6.75 Crore (2022 Auction)

The Story of Jonny Bairstow

Hailing from Yorkshire, England, Jonny Bairstow carries the cricketing legacy of his father, David Bairstow, a former England wicketkeeper. Jonny is a modern-day powerhouse, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter whose aggressive intent and fearless strokeplay have made him a fan favourite across formats. His journey into the IPL began in 2019 when Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services, recognizing his destructive potential at the top of the order.

Bairstow’s IPL breakthrough was nothing short of spectacular. In his debut season for SRH, he forged one of the most formidable opening partnerships in IPL history with David Warner, dubbed the “Bairstow-Warner show.” Their relentless assault on opposition bowlers, particularly in the powerplay, became a highlight of the season. Bairstow announced his arrival with a blistering century against Royal Challengers Bangalore, a knock that showcased his ability to dominate from ball one.

His playing style is characterized by raw power, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a penchant for clearing the ropes. Bairstow is particularly strong against pace, often using his strong base to hit through the line, but he’s also adept at sweeping and reverse-sweeping spin. Behind the stumps, he’s a tidy and energetic presence, adding valuable flexibility to any team. Off the field, Bairstow is known for his competitive spirit and passionate approach to the game, often seen celebrating with intensity.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Jonny Bairstow’s IPL career has seen him don the colours of two franchises, leaving a significant impact at both. He was first picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2019 auction for ₹2.2 Crore. His debut season in 2019 was phenomenal, scoring 445 runs at an average of 55.62 with a strike rate of 161.81, including a century and two fifties. He continued to be a vital cog for SRH in 2020 (345 runs) and 2021 (248 runs), consistently providing explosive starts alongside David Warner.

Ahead of the 2022 mega-auction, Bairstow was released by SRH. His impressive international form and IPL track record made him a hot commodity, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) successfully acquired him for a hefty sum of ₹6.75 Crore. He played for PBKS in 2022, scoring 253 runs, and was unfortunately ruled out of the 2023 season due to an injury sustained while playing golf. He made a strong comeback for PBKS in 2024, once again demonstrating his match-winning capabilities with a memorable century, solidifying his place as a key overseas player for the franchise.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

From a betting standpoint, Jonny Bairstow is a high-impact player with significant upside, but also carries a degree of risk. His primary strength lies in his explosive powerplay hitting. When he gets going, he can single-handedly decimate bowling attacks, making him an excellent bet for “over X runs in the powerplay” or “player to hit most sixes” props, especially on flat, true pitches that favour strokeplay. His ability to score quickly means he can often clear his individual run line even with a relatively short stay at the crease.

Bairstow thrives against pace-heavy attacks and on smaller grounds where his powerful hitting can be maximized. However, he can be susceptible to quality swing and seam bowling in the initial overs, particularly against left-arm pacers who angle the ball across him. This makes him a riskier bet on tricky, seaming surfaces or when facing top-tier new-ball bowlers. Bettors should look at pitch conditions, opposition bowling attacks, and his recent form. When he’s in a rich vein of form, like his 2019 or parts of his 2024 season, he’s a must-back. Conversely, if he’s had a couple of low scores or the pitch is challenging, consider betting against his high-scoring potential.

Key Records & Milestones

• Scored the fastest century for Sunrisers Hyderabad (52 balls vs RCB, 2019).
• Holds the record for the highest opening partnership in IPL history with David Warner (185 runs vs RCB, 2019).
• One of the few English wicketkeeper-batters to score multiple centuries in the IPL.
• One of a select group of players to score IPL centuries for two different franchises (SRH & PBKS).
• Played a pivotal role in Punjab Kings’ record-breaking T20 chase of 262 runs in 2024, scoring a magnificent century.

IPL Season Highlights

Jonny Bairstow’s IPL career is punctuated by several standout seasons and unforgettable performances. His debut season in 2019 for Sunrisers Hyderabad was a masterclass in aggressive opening batting. He amassed 445 runs in just 10 matches at an astonishing average of 55.62 and a strike rate of 161.81. The highlight was his sensational 114 off 56 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he and David Warner put on a record 185-run opening stand, setting the tone for his IPL journey.

After missing the 2023 season due to injury, Bairstow made a powerful return in 2024 for Punjab Kings. While his overall season stats might not reflect his full potential, he delivered a truly iconic performance with his unbeaten 108* off just 48 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. This knock was instrumental in PBKS successfully chasing down a mammoth 262 runs, setting a new world record for the highest successful run-chase in T20 history. This innings perfectly encapsulated Bairstow’s ability to turn a game on its head with his sheer power and audacity, proving he remains one of the most dangerous batters in the league.