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"He's a better batter at Wankhede": Kaif expects Ishan to succeed for MI amid SRH trade rumours

Sakshi Sharma

Ishan Kishan in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)Ishan Kishan in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)

Mohammad Kaif has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about Ishan Kishan’s IPL future. He suggested that the left-hander should consider returning to his former team, the Mumbai Indians (MI). Kaif believes that Kishan would perform much better at MI, where he would likely get to open the innings.

Ishan Kishan's performance in IPL 2025

Kishan is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and he was slotted at number three in the batting order during the IPL 2025 season. While SRH’s top order featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Kishan looked strong on paper. 

It is important to mention that the wicketkeeper-batter’s performances was inconsistent. After starting the season with a brilliant century in the opening match against RR, Kishan’s form dipped, and he managed only one more half-century, ending the campaign with 354 runs in 14 matches.

Kaif believes Kishan’s best comes as an opener

Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that Ishan Kishan is a much better player when he plays for Mumbai Indians. He further added that a move back to MI could be mutually beneficial for both the player and the team.

“Ishan Kishan is a better batter at Wankhede. He will open if he plays for MI. At SRH, he is batting at number three, and there is a huge difference. Despite taking him for a higher price, Hyderabad haven’t been able to give him the right slot.".

 “Maybe Ishan would himself want to go to Mumbai if a deal is possible. For MI, it’s a great option — having an Indian opener and wicketkeeper allows flexibility with foreign players.”

Taking a look at the overall stats, in the top order, Ishan Kishan has played 55 innings and made 1733 runs at an average of 33.98 and a strike rate of 141.82. At no 3, the star batter has played 22 innings and made 532 runs at an average of 26.60 and a strike-rate of 137.82.

It is also worth noting that SRH also recently shared a cryptic message on social media, hinting that the franchise intends to retain him ahead of IPL 2026.