It’s been five years since the Mumbai Indians won the cash-rich Indian Premier League. The franchise, which is known for grooming young players into next-level cricketers, hasn’t performed to its full capacity in recent years. They fell short of lifting their record-breaking 6th IPL title this year after losing to the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2.

2 Likely MI Trade Targets in IPL 2026

It is not in MI’s DNA to have a long trophy gap; hence, the franchise will target trade options (MI trade targets in IPL 2026) with the trading window open. Who are the likely MI player trade targets for the upcoming season? Let’s deep dive.

Ishan Kishan

Role: Wicket-keeper Batter
Current Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad (India)

Well known for his funny character off the field and energetic on the field, the 27-year-old Bihar-born cricketer isn’t new to the Mumbai Indians franchise, having spent 7 straight seasons from 2018 to 2024. For his calibre, the talented wicket-keeper couldn’t make it big for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025, managing 354 runs in 13 innings at an average of 35.4. In terms of numbers, that was decent, but on the bigger picture, only a few times his innings came on a winning cause.

A season of key contributions and fighting spirit 💪

Ishan Kishan | #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/5rUHER65J8

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 1, 2025

His main strength is his aggression; despite not possessing a grand stature, he can hit the ball a long distance, thanks to his tremendous bat swing. On average, if we consider his strike rate, it looks healthy, which stands at 137.64 in 10 seasons for 3 different teams.

More to come, Ishan ✨🧡

Ishan Kishan | #PlayWithFire | #SRHvRR | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/vgk0XlRVZ5

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 24, 2025

Obviously, the 5-time champions Mumbai Indians are currently on the lookout for an established Indian wicket-keeper batter, so Ishan Kishan definitely will be on the radar of MI Trade Targets in IPL 2026. His inclusion will solve a major concern for the Mumbai Indians, who didn’t get rapid starts consistently in IPL 2026.

Washington Sundar

Role: Off-spinning All-rounder
Current Team: Gujarat Titans (India)

Another Tamil Nadu Off-spinning All-rounder, Washington Sundar, will be in MI Trade Targets in IPL 2026. The rise of the Impact substitute rule limited Sundar’s ability as a full-time all-rounder, as he has been consistently used either as a batter or as a bowler in the last couple of seasons. He was prioritised mainly as a batter by the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, where he made 133 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 166.25. However, he got a limited opportunity to shine as a bowler, bowling only 10.5 overs in 5 innings, where he picked up 2 wickets at an expensive economy of 10.24.

3️⃣ 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖 😍 pic.twitter.com/autb6iNev2

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) July 21, 2025

Moving to the Mumbai Indians will help him to get better exposure, and he will become a perfect fit in the line-up if he cuts into the starting eleven. His all-around expertise will definitely come in handy for the franchise.

Humne Washi ka Vash dekha aaj phir se 💪 pic.twitter.com/oCPrPfEBWA

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) August 2, 2025

He had a stupendous tour of England during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he played a decisive knock in helping India to draw the game at Old Trafford, with a century on the final day and also scored a pivotal 53 on the 2nd innings of the Oval Test, which the visitors won by a narrow 6-run to level the series 2-2. The 25-year-old finished the series, racking up 284 runs in 4 matches at an average of 47.33 and picked up 7 wickets with the best figures of 4 for 22.

‘𝙒𝙖𝙖𝙝’shington 😎👌 pic.twitter.com/MiGV6Syb2I

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) July 14, 2025

Sundar is flexible in the batting order, and his off-breaks are equally effective. He gives a variety of options for the management with his all-around prowess and is always ready to make an impact in any kind of situation. With his remarkable skill set, he will be in the MI Player Trade Targets for the IPL 2026.

Conclusion

In the current squad, the Mumbai Indians have already covered all bases, which is filled with young guns and stalwarts. Now they will be looking to fill the void spaces in the form of Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, who are the potential MI Trade Targets in IPL 2026.