Wicketkeeper-batter, Ishan Kishan has emerged as one of the most in-demand players, with less than a month to IPL teams announcing their retained players before the mini-auction of IPL 2026. It has been reported that three teams who have won the IPL are making eye contact with him in order to contract him next season.
In IPL 2025 mega-auction, Kishan was sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at a whopping 11.25 crore. Despite his debut that was marked by an impressive 100, the season did not go as well as expected by him. He controlled 354 at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.59 in 14 games and 200 of these runs were in two games.
A report published by the Times of India states that Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are keen on a left-hander. Of them, MI are mentioned as the top contenders to bring him back, with Kishan being one of their members between 2018 and 2024. In the previous season, before the year 2022, the franchise acquired him at 15.25 crore.
Negotiations with Kishan are said to have started but no formal agreement has yet been reached. The three teams are all looking after a wicketkeeper who can also bat in the topmost order a position that Kishan can occupy perfectly. His hard hitting style and experience can be of great use to any team.
Ishan Kishan Boosts MI’s Depth After Strong Domestic Start
Mumbai Indians already possess Ryan Rickelton who performed averagely well with a bat and gloves the previous season. Nevertheless, the addition of Kishan may add to the more balance and flexibility of MI, given that he is an Indian player. The report also stated that the team management considers him as a long time option as they plan life post Rohit Sharma who is now 38 years and retired Tests and T20Is.
In the meantime, Kishan has begun the domestic season well. It was in the opening Ranji Trophy in 2025-26 that he hit a spectacular 173 off 247 balls against Tamil Nadu that made his team win by an innings and 114 runs, and this has most definitely helped his stock in the IPL auction.
