Mumbai Indians eye Ishan Kishan return as Rohit Sharma nears final IPL phase – cricexec
the business of cricket
Home › Domestic & Franchise ›
MI are reportedly planning for a post-Rohit era, approaching Sunrisers Hyderabad about reacquiring Ishan Kishan ahead of a potential leadership transition
By Cricexec Staff
| 6:44 am
With the IPL 2026 auction window fast approaching, teams are finalizing their retention strategies and identifying potential trade targets. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the IPL auction is likely to be held around December 15, while the retention deadline is on November 15.
Though it is a mini auction, franchises are expected to make aggressive moves, especially as several teams aim to rebuild after underwhelming campaigns. Among those planning significant changes is Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time champions who last lifted the trophy in 2020.
A report from The Times of India has revealed that Mumbai Indians are preparing for the future — a future that may not include Rohit Sharma. With the former MI and India captain now 38 and having already stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket, speculation is mounting about the remaining length of his IPL career.
With Rohit Sharma now 38 and his IPL future uncertain, Mumbai Indians are looking to the next phase of their leadership and batting core. The franchise has historically focused on long-term planning, and Ishan Kishan — a player they’ve backed significantly in the past — is viewed as a strong candidate to fill that void in the coming seasons.
MI are reportedly looking to re-sign wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) — the franchise that bought him for ₹11.25 crore (approx. US$ 1.3m) at last year’s auction, following his release from Mumbai after IPL 2024. The move is seen not only as a potential boost to their batting and wicketkeeping options but also as a strategic reshuffling to provide more overseas flexibility in their playing XI.
While South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton performed capably for MI in IPL 2025, Kishan’s Indian passport gives MI greater latitude with overseas selections.
MI’s pursuit of Kishan is far from uncontested. Both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the 27-year-old, with discussions of either a trade or an all-cash deal in the mix.
While Mumbai Indians have made an approach to Sunrisers Hyderabad regarding Kishan, no agreement has been reached so far. SRH are reportedly hesitant to part ways with the wicketkeeper-batter, though the final outcome may hinge on the player’s own willingness to consider a return to his former franchise.
The upcoming auction could be particularly impactful for franchises seeking a reset. Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals — who finished last and second-last in IPL 2025 — will be under pressure to make key decisions.
Meanwhile, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar after moving on from Faf du Plessis, will aim to build on their breakthrough title win.
As the November 15 retention deadline nears, all eyes will be on how the player trade market evolves — especially around one of the most talked-about names this pre-auction cycle: Ishan Kishan.
Join for free and get:
Cricket’s only trade publication. We cover the industry off the field — the people, organizations, and deals that drive the sport.
© 2025 Cricexec
About
Contact
Privacy policy
Ads Policy
Join
Have a tip?
Advertise
Join for free and get:
Share this content:
Post Comment