Ishan Kishan to return to Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026? Former Indian star sparks debate

India’s brutal wicket-keeper batter, Ishan Kishan, experienced a hot and cold campaign during the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The left-handed batter has smashed 354 runs in 13 innings at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.58 with the help of one century and one fifty. 

Kishan started the campaign with the century against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) before ending the season with a fifty against the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the former Indian star, Mohammad Kaif, reckoned that the issue would lie in Kishan’s batting position.

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“Ishan Kishan is a better batter at Wankhede. He will open if he plays for the Mumbai Indians. At the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he is batting at number three, and there is a huge difference. Despite taking him for a high price, Hyderabad haven’t been able to give him the right slot.” Kaif expressed during a video on his YouTube channel.

Mohammad Kaif sheds light on Ishan Kishan’s probable comeback to Mumbai Indians

Kaif addressed that Kishan would be a perfect fit for the franchise and player. As an opening batter, the southpaw has bagged 2998 runs in 112 innings at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 137.64, with the help of 17 half-centuries and one century at the best score of 106*.

“Maybe Ishan himself would want to go to Mumbai if a deal is possible. For MI, it’s a great option- having an Indian opener and wicket-keeper allows flexibility with foreign players.” Kaif addressed Kishan, who was picked by the franchise for a price of INR 11.25 crore in the auction, as he recalled the moment of meeting Abhishek Sharma.

“I straightaway called Abhishek Sharma and asked what they expected. He said, ‘Just hit every ball, that’s your job, enjoy your game.’ That’s the best part about this team.” Kishan shared after the fixture against the Rajasthan Royals. In 197 innings of the T20s, the southpaw has clubbed 5270 runs at an average of nearly 29 and a strike rate of 134.26 with 29 fifties and four centuries at the best score of unbeaten 113 runs.