IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan attracts multiple trade deals, could return to Mumbai Indians

Despite a lacklustre run in IPL 2025, opportunities have not dried up for Ishan Kishan in the T20 league. The IPL 2025 mega auction witnessed the wicketkeeper-batter leaving Mumbai Indians, practically his home in the IPL, and joining Sunrisers Hyderabad. While the season began with a blazing ton for the youngster, that century in the campaign opener remained the only highlight for Kishan. Now, as the spotlight falls on the retention phase ahead of IPL 2026, the latest reports have suggested that MI is interested in re-claiming Kishan.

Mumbai Indians reportedly chasing Ishan Kishan ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

November 15 has been set as the deadline for teams to lock in their retentions for IPL 2026. The focus will then shift to the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which is speculated to be scheduled for mid-December. As the deadline inches closer, behind-the-scenes action among the franchises has intensified. Several prominent players, including KL Rahul and Sanju Samson, are in the buzz for possible trades. Joining the list is Ishan Kishan, who has reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams approaching SRH for trade talks. The report has suggested that Mumbai Indians is keen on finding a prospect to ease the transition when the time comes for Rohit Sharma to depart.

At 38, the former Indian captain has already retired from T20Is and Test cricket. Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy winning leader was recently removed as India's ODI captain. Now, as Rohit plays the India vs Australia ODI series, speculations are rife that the tour down under could very well be his last international stint, along with Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, MI is bracing for the impact when the departure heat hits IPL.

Ishan Kishan parted ways with the Mumbai Indians following the conclusion of IPL 2024. Although the franchise had chased the wicketkeeper batter in the IPL 2025 mega auction, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad that swooped in and acquired him for ₹11.25 crore last year. In response, MI turned to South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton as a replacement, and the left-hander justified his inclusion with consistent performances at the top of the order.

However, a potential homecoming for Ishan Kishan could offer the five-time IPL winners greater flexibility, enabling them to utilize an additional overseas player in the lower middle order. The report also noted that Ishan’s return might play a crucial role in helping Mumbai prepare for “life after Rohit.”

“The former India and MI skipper is 38 right now and clearly doesn't have a lot of IPL years left in him too. MI have always had an eye on the future, and Kishan is someone, they have invested immensely in the past and at present he fits the bill for the Mumbai-based franchise," the report read.

Meanwhile, if reports are to be believed, Mumbai Indians are not the only franchise eyeing the onboarding of Ishan Kishan. Both Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have reportedly approached Sunrisers Hyderabad to explore the possibility of a trade or an all-cash offer. As per the report, no concrete progress has been made so far, with SRH seemingly hesitant to part ways with the wicketkeeper-batter. That said, the final outcome could largely hinge on the player’s own decision.