After a truly dramatic IPL season, one that had Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) riding high early on before crashing mid-season and somehow bouncing back to finish. The rumour mill has gone wild again. Word is that SRH might soon be parting ways with Ishan Kishan, and that an Ishan Kishan trade could be on the horizon before the mini-auction. With the retention deadline looming and whispers about the SRH 2026 released players list already making rounds, fans are bracing for another off-season filled with surprises.

The SRH–Kishan Connection

When SRH snapped up Ishan for a hefty ₹11.25 crore ahead of IPL 2025, it felt like a bold statement. He repaid that faith initially, smashing a century on debut and showing flashes of brilliance behind the stumps. But as the season wore on, his form dipped. Still, there’s no denying that he brought an aggressive edge to the team’s top order, exactly what SRH had lacked for years. That’s what makes this talk of an Ishan Kishan trade all the more interesting.

The duo brought the carnage 🔥

Aniket Verma & Ishan Kishan’s 17-ball 43-run partnership was fun while it lasted 🧡

Updates ▶ https://t.co/sJ6dOP9ung#TATAIPL | #RCBvSRH | @SunRisers | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/i4S4Mt1OKC

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2025

It’s not that SRH don’t rate him; rather, it seems they’re simply re-evaluating their squad structure after another “so-close-yet-so-far” campaign. With Heinrich Klaasen already in the mix, they may see Kishan as an asset that can fetch a valuable Indian batter or a strong all-cash deal in return. Whether he ends up as part of the SRH 2026 released players or not, one thing’s for sure: his future is the talk of every cricket chat group right now.

Related Article：2026 SRH Released Players List – Has the Sun Finally Set on Some Big Names?

Mumbai Indians – The Homecoming Dream

It’s no surprise that the Mumbai Indians (MI) are once again at the front of the queue. The chatter around a potential Ishan Kishan trade back to MI has gained momentum, and for good reason. After all, this is the franchise where he truly came into his own. MI fans still remember his fireworks at the Wankhede, those 80-off-40 specials that had the crowd chanting his name.

With Rohit Sharma edging toward the twilight of his IPL career, MI are already planning for the next phase. They see Ishan as a natural heir, someone who knows the culture, gels with the squad, and adds that left-handed balance at the top. If Ishan Kishan’s IPL 2026 team turns out to be MI once again, it’ll feel like the perfect homecoming story. But of course, SRH won’t let him go cheaply. It’ll take a big purse , or perhaps a smart player swap, to make that reunion happen.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Searching for Spark

Then there’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are quietly but keenly watching developments. After releasing Phil Salt and failing to get consistent performances from Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, KKR’s wicketkeeper slot feels like a revolving door. They’re desperate for a steady Indian option at the top, and Ishan fits the bill perfectly.

A move to Eden Gardens would mean a fresh start and a loyal crowd that loves attacking cricketers. With KKR’s purse looking healthy, they could well make a strong push before the auction. If the Ishan Kishan trade goes through in their favour, it might be just what they need to inject stability and flair into their top order. It’s not impossible to imagine Ishan Kishan’s IPL 2026 team being draped in purple and gold instead of orange or blue.

Rajasthan Royals – The Strategic Fit

The third team reportedly in the race are the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Always one for calculated risks and youth-focused recruitment, RR see Ishan as a long-term investment. Ishan could easily slot into the top three, forming a left-hand-heavy combination alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

RR’s management is said to be monitoring the SRH 2026 released players list closely, hoping that Kishan becomes available. Their interest makes strategic sense: an Indian wicketkeeper-batter of his calibre frees up an overseas slot and strengthens the domestic batting core. If Ishan Kishan’s IPL 2026 team ends up being RR, it would be one of those clever under-the-radar moves that everyone praises in hindsight.

What Happens Next?

For now, SRH remain tight-lipped. Officially, they’re focused on “evaluating player roles,” but insiders say multiple calls have already been made. Whether or not they actually add Kishan to the SRH 2026 released players list, the buzz around him isn’t going away anytime soon. With the mini-auction around the corner and several teams hungry for a top-order wicketkeeper-batter, things could move fast.

🚨 MANY IPL FRANCHISES ARE INTERESTED FOR ISHAN KISHAN 🚨

– Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders & Rajasthan Royals have approached SRH to Trade or full cash deal for Ishan Kishan ahead of IPL 2026. (Sahil Malhotra/TOI). pic.twitter.com/w4Jk2heSAf

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 22, 2025

At 27, Ishan Kishan is at a career crossroads, experienced enough to lead a batting lineup, yet young enough to reinvent himself. Whichever direction this Ishan Kishan trade saga takes, one thing’s certain: the IPL just wouldn’t be the same without a bit of off-season drama, would it?