Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has shed light on the team’s decision to release wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Kishan, a key figure in MI’s lineup over recent years, was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a whopping Rs 11.40 crore, marking the end of a significant chapter in MI’s history.
Pandya acknowledged the challenges of retaining Kishan in the auction, stating, “Ishan has been the freshness and energy of the room. When we couldn’t retain him, we always knew it was going to be very difficult to get him back from the auction simply because of the kind of player and skillset he brings. He always kept the dressing room light and made a lot of people smile.”
Kishan has been a pivotal part of MI’s core, playing almost every game over the last three seasons. In his IPL career spanning 105 matches, he has amassed 2,644 runs at an average of 28.43 and a strike rate of 135.87, including 16 half-centuries.
Ishan Kishan’s recent IPL performance:
- 2024: 320 runs, Avg 22.86, SR 148.84
- 2023: 454 runs, Avg 30.27, SR 142.77
- 2022: 418 runs, Avg 32.15, SR 120.11
The 25-year-old was MI’s top scorer in their 2020 championship-winning season, where he notched 516 runs at a stellar average of 57.33. Despite his departure, Kishan’s legacy as a vital part of MI’s journey remains strong, and his move to SRH marks the start of a new chapter in his IPL career.