Less than a month remains for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to announce their list of retained players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Talented wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan seems to be one of the hottest picks as three IPL-winning teams are interested in acquiring his services ahead of the 19th edition of the tournament.
Kishan joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, signing for the former champions for a whopping INR 11.25 crore. Despite scoring a breathtaking century on his debut for SRH, Kishan had an underwhelming campaign this year. He scored 354 runs in 14 matches at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.59. However, 200 runs from the total tally came in two matches.
Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are interested in signing Kishan, a Times of India (TOI) report stated. It is important to note that MI are leading the race to sign Kishan, who was a part of the franchise from 2018 to 2024. Notably, ahead of the 2022 season, MI hired Kishan for a staggering INR 15.25 crore.
Kishan has also been approached, but nothing has been finalised. All three teams are looking for a wicketkeeper who could bat in the top-order. The Jharkhand cricketer fits the bill.
While Ryan Rickelton played well for MI in IPL 2025, contributing with some important knocks at the top of the order and fairing decently with the gloves, having Kishan in the lineup will add more flexibility to the management’s thought process, as he is an Indian. The report added that “it also allows them to be ready for life after Rohit Sharma.” Rohit is 38 now and has already retired from Tests as well as T20Is for the national team.
Kishan made a terrific start to his Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign, smashing a 247-ball 173 in Jharkhand’s opening encounter against Tamil Nadu, helping his team register a thumping win by an innings and 114 runs.
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