Mumbai Indians Eye Ishan Kishan Return Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Mumbai Indians are reportedly in talks with Sunrisers Hyderabad to re-sign Ishan Kishan ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians are reportedly looking to bring Ishan Kishan back into their squad from Sunrisers Hyderabad, a year after releasing him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The move could be seen as part of Mumbai’s long-term strategy, with opener Rohit Sharma nearing the end of his career.

As per The Times of India, Mumbai have already approached Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction to re-sign Ishan, though no deal has been finalised yet.

Not only Mumbai, but the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have also expressed interest in acquiring Ishan, either through a trade or an all-cash deal. However, talks are still in the early stages, and no significant progress has been made.

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Multiple Franchises Approach SRH For Trade

All three teams, Mumbai, Kolkata and Rajasthan, are believed to be seeking a top-order wicketkeeper-batter to strengthen their line-ups based on current team requirements.

South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton had performed well at the top for Mumbai in IPL 2025, but Ishan Kishan’s inclusion would offer greater flexibility, allowing the management to field an additional overseas player in the playing XI.

The move also positions Mumbai for a future beyond Rohit Sharma, who, at 38, is likely in the final stretch of his IPL career.

Mumbai have a reputation for forward planning, and Ishan—an investment from their past—still fits perfectly into that vision. Everything, however, depends on how discussions between Mumbai and Hyderabad progress. Early signs suggest that SRH is reluctant to let Ishan go, though that stance might change if the player expresses a desire to move.

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Ishan Kishan enjoyed his best IPL years with Mumbai Indians but struggled to live up to expectations at Hyderabad after being bought for Rs 11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

He was also close to making a comeback to India’s Test side for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but missed out due to injury, which opened the door for N Jagadeesan to replace Rishabh Pant.