Sunrisers Hyderabad broke the bank to secure Ishan Kishan for a staggering INR 11.25 crore at the IPL 2025 mega-auction. The bidding war saw Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals fiercely competing, but Hyderabad ultimately outbid them to acquire the dynamic left-hander. Kishan’s stellar performances for Mumbai Indians had made him a prized asset.
With 2,325 runs for the five-time champions and a successful international debut under his belt, the Bihar-born cricketer had solidified his reputation as a game-changer. Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya admitted that the franchise had hoped to bring Kishan back but understood the challenge given his immense value.
Reflecting on Kishan’s departure, Hardik described him as the “freshness” and “energy” in the dressing room. He praised Kishan’s ability to uplift team spirits and expressed how much the team would miss his lively presence.
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“Ishan brought so much love and laughter into our dressing room,” Hardik shared in a heartfelt video released by Mumbai Indians. “Not being able to retain him was tough, and we knew it would be nearly impossible to get him back in the auction. He kept things light and made everyone smile. His warmth was natural, and we’ll definitely miss the cake-smashing and pranks he was known for.”
💌 𝓉ℴ 𝐼𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓃 #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/K1Gz5DKYUU
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 1, 2024
Hardik added, “Ishan Kishan, you’ll always be MI’s pocket dynamo. We all love you and will miss you dearly.”
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To fill the void left by Kishan, Mumbai Indians signed South African batter Ryan Rickelton. Known for his aggressive style, Rickelton could open alongside Rohit Sharma. Alternatively, the franchise might opt to pair Rohit with Will Jacks, allowing Robin Minz to take on a finisher’s role lower down the order. While the team looks to adapt, Kishan’s departure marks the end of a chapter filled with unforgettable memories for the Mumbai camp.
