Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have started preparations for the mini-auction 2026, which is expected to be held in mid-December. According to a Times of India report, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have received trade offers from three different teams for their wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan.
Before the IPL 2026 mini-auction, all ten franchises must submit their final retention lists by November 15. With less than a month left, many team managements are actively exploring trade options to address weak spots and acquire key players from rival franchises for next year’s T20 tournament.
Mumbai Indians approach Ishan Kishan ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction
According to Times of India, Ishan Kishan is attracting the interest of several IPL franchises. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are the frontrunners in the race to bring back the southpaw. Although MI has reached out, no deal has been finalized yet.
“Ishan Kishan is attracting a lot of interest from franchises and it is believed that five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are the frontrunners to bring the destructive southpaw home. It is understood that there has been an approach from MI for Kishan, but nothing has happened at this stage,” the report said.
Mumbai Indians ended their seven-year association with Ishan by releasing him ahead of the IPL 2024 mega-auction. During his stint with MI, Kishan scored 2,325 runs in 89 matches at an average of 29.81 and a strike rate of 136.85, including 15 fifties, with a highest score of 99.
KKR and Rajasthan Royals expressed interest in signing Ishan Kishan
Apart from Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have also shown interest in buying Ishan.
All three franchises are exploring a possible trade or all-cash deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad to strengthen their top order with a quality wicketkeeper-batsman. However, no concrete progress has been made yet.
“Not just MI, even Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have also approached SRH for a possible trade/all-cash deal for the left-hander, but there has been no further development on that front,” the report said.
Ishan can provide flexibility at the top of the order and free up an overseas slot. He could be part of the long-term plan for the team. Kishan could be a big investment for teams in the IPL, but any trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad depends on negotiations.
Ishan Kishan bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹11.25 crore
Ishan Kishan was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹11.25 crore ahead of IPL 2025. He started the season with a century while batting at number three, but his form declined as the tournament progressed. He scored 354 runs in 14 matches, which included one century and one half-century.
The 26-year-old player has shown signs of regaining form in domestic cricket. He started the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season with a score of 173 against Tamil Nadu, helping Jharkhand achieve a commanding innings victory.
He could not make a Test comeback due to injuries sustained during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He was not included in the India A squad for the upcoming two-match red-ball series against South Africa A.
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