Hardik Pandya Opens Up About Ishan Kishan Leaving Mumbai Indians
Ishan Kishan, a key member of the Mumbai Indians (MI) since 2018, has joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He was sold for INR 11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. MI captain Hardik Pandya said Kishan’s release has hurt the team.
In a fierce bidding war, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad vied for the star wicket-keeper batter. SRH won. Despite Mumbai Indians’ efforts to keep Kishan, they bid only INR 3.20 crore at the auction. That was far below the eventual price.
Why Mumbai Indians Released Ishan Kishan
Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Mumbai Indians had to decide. They chose to retain Tilak Varma over Ishan Kishan. Kishan had been a key part of the MI squad for seven years. But, his recent performances fell short of expectations. The IPL retained the wicket-keeper batter for INR 15.25 crore in 2022 and again in 2023 and 2024. However, he struggled to be consistent.
MI’s decision to release him, though strategic, signaled the end of an era for one of their core players. In a franchise video, Hardik Pandya expressed his thoughts on Kishan’s departure.
Hardik Pandya’s Emotional Farewell to Ishan Kishan
After the auction, Hardik Pandya praised Kishan’s unique contributions to the team, on and off the field.
“Ishan has been the ‘freshness’ and the ‘energy’ of the room. When we couldn’t retain him, we always knew that it’s gonna be very difficult to get him back from the auction simply because we knew that, the kind of player and kind of skillset he brings. He always used to be keep the dressing room light, has made a lot of people smile,” Hardik said in the video.
💌 𝓉ℴ 𝐼𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓃 #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/K1Gz5DKYUU
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 1, 2024
Pandya reflected on Kishan’s personality. He called him a team player who brought positivity to the dressing room.
“That love and warmth, it came very natural to him and there will be less cake smashing, less pranks happening on people. That was Ishan and who used to bring so much love to this team, that is something as a group we are going to miss. Ishan Kishan, you always be MI’s pocket-dynamo. We all gonna miss you and we all love you,” he added.
Pandya ended by calling Ishan MI’s “pocket dynamo.” He assured that the team respects and loves him.
What’s Next for Ishan Kishan With Sunrisers Hyderabad?
With his transfer to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ishan Kishan joins a franchise. It has one of the strongest, on-paper, squads in the league. SRH’s high bids show their faith in Kishan’s potential to rebound and excel.
Kishan’s IPL future depends on his ability to regain his old form. It was key to MI’s success. For now, the franchise and fans will look forward to seeing how he fits into SRH’s plans in the upcoming season.
Key Statistics
- Ishan Kishan’s Auction Price (2025): INR 11.25 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Previous Auction Price (2022): INR 15.25 crore (Mumbai Indians)
- Teams Bidding: Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Retention History: Retained by MI in 2022, 2023, 2024; released ahead of 2025 auction
Closing Thoughts
Ishan Kishan’s move to Sunrisers Hyderabad marks a fresh start for him. It also means a big change for Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya’s farewell shows the cost of tough choices in the IPL. There, loyalty and strategy clash.
As Kishan starts his journey with SRH, fans hope a new team will help him rediscover his spark.
“Ishan Kishan during IPL 2025 Auction, sold to Sunrisers for INR 11.25 crore.””
