"Better batter at Wankhede" - Mohammad Kaif's trade suggestion to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026 retention deadline

Former batter Mohammad Kaif made a trade suggestion to the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The retention deadline ahead of the IPL 2026 auction is November 15.

Ahead of the same, there have been talks about a possible trade between the Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) involving wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan. The left-hander joined MI in 2018 and stayed with them till the 2024 season. He was acquired by SRH for the 2025 season.

Kishan used to open the batting during his time at MI, while he had to bat at number three in SRH with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head opening. Mohammad Kaif reckoned that the left-hander would be better off at Wankhede and MI, where he has played before and done well. He also outlined how this move could be beneficial for the five-time champions.

"Ishan Kishan is a better batter at Wankhede. He will open if he plays for MI. At SRH he is playing at three. There is a huge difference. He has not got that advantage playing at three. Despite taking him at a high price SRH have not been able to give him the right slot as it is not available. Maybe Ishan would be requesting himself to go to Mumbai if any deal is possible because he will get to open there. It is a very good option for Mumbai if they can get Ishan. Having an Indian keeper and opener will give them the option to play some other foreign player then," Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Ishan Kishan scored 2325 runs from 89 matches for MI at an average of 29.81 and a strike-rate of 136.85. In 29 innings at the Wankhede, MI's home ground, he has scored 659 runs at a strike-rate of 145.47.

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Mohammad Kaif on Shardul-Arjun trade between MI and LSG

Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, another potential trade being spoken of is that of Shardul Thakur from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to MI in exchange for left-arm quick Arjun Tendulkar.

Mohammad Kaif outlined the possible reasoning behind MI looking to trade in Shardul, if the deal went through. He reckoned that they needed a third or fourth seamer who could also be used as a floater in the batting order.

"Shardul can be your third or fourth bowler. He is not a new ball bowler. He cannot be your primary pacer. So that might be the only reason Mumbai are asking for him. They have Hardik, Bumrah, and Boult but they had an issue with the third and fourth seamer last year. They tried a few new players. So if this deal is going through, it is only because Shardul can do well at Wankhede and he can score as well. He can do what Krunal used to do on that pitch. Maybe the plan is to get a third seamer and a floater batter," he explained.

Shardul has bagged 107 wickets from 105 IPL matches so far. He has also scored 325 runs at a strike-rate of 139.48 with a half-century. As far as Arjun Tendulkar is concerned, Mohammad Kaif stated that LSG might keep him in the squad but would not play him in the XI.

"If Arjun does go to LSG, they will not play him. They will just have him in the squad and maybe groom him. Maybe they will make him ready for the future. That's it."

Arjun has had limited opportunities in the IPL to date. He has yet to establish himself on the biggest stage. He has played five matches for MI and has picked up three wickets.