Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are reportedly looking to trade Ishan Kishan back into their fold from the Sunrisers Hyderabad, a year after they released him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. One might see this as a move for the franchise to prepare for the next few years with opener Rohit Sharma at the fag end of his career.
As per The Times of India, Mumbai have approached Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction to re-sign Ishan, but no deal has been finalised yet.
Not only Mumbai, but the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have approached Hyderabad for a possible trade or all-cash deal for Ishan, though no progress has been reported till now.
Mumbai, Kolkata and Rajasthan all appear to be seeking a top-order wicketkeeper-batter
to strengthen their teams based on current team dynamics.
South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton performed well at the top for Mumbai in IPL 2025, but Ishan offers greater flexibility, permitting the management to consider an additional overseas option in the playing XI.
It helps Mumbai prepare for life after Rohit as well, who, at 38, has only a few Indian Premier League years remaining.
Mumbai have always planned for the future and Ishan, an investment from the past, continues to fit the bill for the team.
Everything hinges on how talks between Mumbai and Hyderabad unfold. Initial indications suggest that SRH is reluctant to part with Ishan, though that could change if the cricketer opts to move.
Ishan enjoyed his best Indian Premier League years with Mumbai but struggled to meet expectations at Hyderabad after being bought for a whopping Rs 11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Ishan was close to returning to India’s Test team for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but missed out because of injury, paving the way for N Jagadeesan to replace Rishabh Pant.
