IPL 2026 trade: MI, KKR or RR; Which team should bag Ishan Kishan from SRH?

Ishan Kishan has played for MI in the past [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, swashbuckling Indian batter Ishan Kishan is one of the hot contenders for an IPL trade. Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have reportedly approached Sunrisers Hyderabad in a bid to trade Ishan into their setup. 

After MI released him, Ishan Kishan joined the SRH camp for the IPL 2025 at a price of INR 11.75 Crores. However, he had a slightly underwhelming season for the Orange Army, managing 354 runs at a modest average of 35.4. So, as Ishan's trade rumours create buzz, here we analyse to figure out which team he perfectly fits in. 

As Ishan Kishan is a top-order batter, we will analyse the performance of the top-order players from these three teams to find out which side he can enter ahead of IPL 2026. 

Mumbai Indians

(MI's top 4 batters in IPL 2025)

• As it is evident from the above stats, Mumbai Indians' top four batters did reasonably well in the IPL 2025, scoring 2085 runs at an average of 37.90 and a strike rate of 156.41. 
• While Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma struck 717 and 418 runs, respectively, Ryan Rickelton played a pivotal role for MI, amassing 388 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 150.97. 
• Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma were retained by MI and won't likely be released as they stepped up with the bat in the IPL 2025. So, technically, Mumbai Indians don't have a vacant spot to get Ishan Kishan into their lineup. Also, given that he will likely cost at least 10-12 Crores, we don't reckon MI will spend such a hefty amount to get him back in their lineup. 

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Rajasthan Royals

(RR top three batters in IPL 2025)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi form RR's formidable opening pair. The destructive duo was instrumental in the RR top-order's remarkable success in the IPL 2025. 
• Despite scoring 285 runs at a decent strike rate of 140.39, Sanju Samson has been reported to quit the Royals camp before IPL 2026. If RR are planning to release Samson, Ishan Kishan can come in as his replacement. 
• But with Jaiswal and Suryavanshi slated to open, RR can fit Ishan at number three, where he doesn't have an excellent record, scoring 532 runs at a modest average of 26.60 and a strike rate of 137.82. Additionally, slotting Ishan at three would mean three left-handed batters in RR's top three, making their top order a bit predictable for the opposition. 
• Also, given that RR have a genuine chance to make Dhruv Jurel bat up the order and create room for a finisher down the order, Ishan's inclusion in the Royals' setup doesn't seem a logical move. 

Kolkata Knight Riders

(KKR openers in IPL 2025)

• Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed miserably as KKR's top order batters in the IPL 2025. Although Narine struck at a brisk pace and Rahane slammed 390 runs, the failure of De Kock and Gurbaz could lead to their release from the KKR squad before IPL 2026. 
• More importantly, the release of these two players will free up INR 5.6 Crores and open up a keeper-batter's slot at the top order. Additionally, if KKR release Venkatesh Iyer, who could score only 142 runs at a horrendous average of 20.29, a whopping amount of 23.75 Crores will be added to their purse. Thus, they will also have the budget to afford Ishan and slot him as their wicketkeeper at the top order. 

Conclusion

Considering all the permutations and combinations, we believe Ishan Kishan perfectly meets all the criteria to join the Kolkata Knight Riders. While MI and RR don't have the budget as well as a valid reason to secure the southpaw, KKR can boost their batting unit by adding him to their setup for the IPL 2026. 

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