MI Negotiate To Rope In Mayank Markande From KKR: Reports

Mumbai Indians discussed a trade deal with Kolkata Knight Riders to reacquire leg-spinner Mayank Markande.

Mumbai Indians are reportedly in discussions with Kolkata Knight Riders to bring back leg-spinner Mayank Markande. According to recent reports, the franchise is working on an all-cash trade to reunite with their former player and strengthen their spin bowling options.

Markande began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2018. He was part of their championship-winning squads in 2019 and 2020. The spinner joined KKR last season for ₹30 lakh but did not play a single match in the 2025 IPL season, remaining behind Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in the team’s spin bowling hierarchy.

ALSO READ | “Rizwan Made Way for Me”: Shaheen Afridi Opens Up on Pakistan Captaincy Decision

Potential Homecoming for Spinner

A Times of India report indicates that negotiations between the two franchises have reached advanced stages. An official announcement about the trade deal is expected soon. The transaction would involve only cash, marking a return to his original franchise for the 28-year-old spinner.

This potential move comes during an active trading period for Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions have also reportedly finalized a deal to acquire Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants. In a separate transaction, Arjun Tendulkar is expected to move to LSG.

The report also mentioned Mumbai Indians’ interest in another former spinner. Rahul Chahar, currently with Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also being considered for a return. Chahar played just one match in the 2025 season and has a price tag of ₹3.2 crore.

ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer Unlikely to Be Fit for South Africa ODIs | Reports

Mumbai Indians have contacted Sunrisers Hyderabad about Chahar’s availability. It remains uncertain whether SRH will agree to release the bowler. The franchise might complete one of the two trades or wait for the mini-auction to make their move for a spinner.