Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly exploring a business to bring Ishan Kishan from behind Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) next to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The mini-auction saw his name become one of the most talked about names in the trade window.
According to the Times of India report, Sunrisers HyderabadThose who bought Kishan for Rs 11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction are understood to be reluctant to let him go, but the decision may ultimately depend on the player’s choice. Rival franchises have also expressed interest in the left-hander, prompting a fierce negotiation battle ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.
Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan Strategy: Plan ahead of Rohit Sharma for IPL 2026?
The report further adds that, MI are currently going through a crucial transition phase as they plan for the future without the services of their great man. Rohit SharmaAt the age of 38, the former India and MI captain’s IPL finale 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 requirement perfectly.
His ability to open the batting and keep wickets provides an ideal dual role solution, giving the team an important Indian core player around which they can build the next generation of leadership and batting order. Current foreign wicketkeeper, Ryan RickeltonAdequate performance in IPL 2025; However, having an Indian keeper like Kishan will allow MI to utilize their overseas slots on specialist bowlers or power-hitting all-rounders.
This greater tactical flexibility in team structure is highly valued in the IPL, helping franchises better adapt to different pitch conditions and opposition forces throughout the tournament. The ongoing trade talks for Kishan are thus a clear indication of MI’s proactive approach to future-proofing their squad, with a focus on securing a young, established Indian talent ahead of the mini-auction scheduled for mid-December.
Also read: Mumbai Indians: 5 players whom MI can release before IPL 2026 auction
High-risk trade battle for Kishan: 2 more IPL franchises in battle
Kishan has emerged as the most sought-after Indian player in the IPL 2026 trade window, sparking a high-stakes bidding and negotiation war between multiple franchises. Following his transfer to SRH for a whopping Rs 11.25 crore in the mega-auction, his value as an explosive top-order wicketkeeper-batsman has been clearly confirmed by the top teams of the league.
Both are discussed further in the report Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) And Rajasthan Royals (RR) Have actively entered the race, having approached SRH with offers that include both an all-cash deal and a potential player-swap arrangement.
KKR, known to look for 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, on their part, were initially reluctant to part ways with Kishan, seeing him as the central pillar of their batting corps and a long-term investment made just a season ago. This reluctance suggests that any successful trade would require a significant premium or extraordinary player exchange, increasing the complexity and value of the deal.
Ultimately, the player will be heavily involved in the decision-making process, 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 leading up to the November 15 retention deadline.
Also read: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that could target Cameron Green in the upcoming auction
