The Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly exploring a trade to bring Ishan Kishan back from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, with his name being one of the most talked-about in the trade window.
As per the Times of India report, Sunrisers Hyderabad, who acquired Kishan for INR 11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, are understood to be reluctant to let him go, but the decision may ultimately rest on the player’s preference. Rival franchises have also expressed interest in the left-hander, indicating a fierce negotiation battle before the November 15 retention deadline.
Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan strategy: Planning beyond Rohit Sharma for IPL 2026?
The report further stated that, MI are currently navigating a significant transition phase as they plan for a future without the services of their legendary figure, Rohit Sharma. At 38, the former India and MI captain’s IPL twilight is fast approaching, making the acquisition of a long-term, high-impact Indian replacement a top priority for the franchise management. Ishan Kishan, who enjoyed his most successful IPL years with MI before being released ahead of IPL 2025, fits their historical investment pattern and strategic need perfectly.
His ability to open the batting and keep wickets provides an ideal dual-role solution, giving the team a crucial Indian core player around whom they can build the next generation’s leadership and batting order. The current overseas wicketkeeper, Ryan Rickelton, performed adequately in IPL 2025; however, having an Indian keeper like Kishan would allow MI to utilise their overseas slots on specialist bowlers or power-hitting all-rounders.
This greater tactical flexibility in team composition is highly valued in the IPL, enabling the franchise to adapt better to different pitch conditions and opposition strengths throughout the tournament. The ongoing trade talks for Kishan are thus a clear signal of MI’s proactive approach to future-proofing their squad, focusing on securing a young, established Indian talent before the mini-auction set for mid-December.
The high-stakes trade battle for Kishan: 2 more IPL franchises in fight
Kishan has emerged as the most sought-after Indian player in the IPL 2026 trade window, sparking a high-stakes bidding and negotiation war among multiple franchises. After his transfer to SRH for a massive INR 11.25 crore in the mega-auction, his value as an explosive top-order wicketkeeper-batter has clearly been reaffirmed by the league’s top teams.
The report further discussed that both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have actively entered the race, approaching SRH with proposals that include both all-cash deals and potential player-swap arrangements.
KKR, known for seeking aggressive Indian openers, and RR, looking to strengthen their top-order wicketkeeping options, see Kishan as a perfect fit for their respective squad dynamics and rebuilding efforts. SRH, for their part, are initially reluctant to part with Kishan, viewing him as a central pillar of their batting core and a long-term investment made just one season prior. This reluctance suggests that any successful trade will require a significant premium or an exceptional player exchange, pushing the complexity and value of the deal higher.
Ultimately, the decision-making process will heavily involve the player, as Kishan’s openness to rejoining his former team, MI, or moving to a new franchise will be a deciding factor in these highly sensitive, behind-the-scenes trade discussions which are expected to intensify right up to the November 15 retention deadline.
