IPL 2026 Trade Window: As the IPL 2026 mini-auction draws near, the trade window has opened up a crucial opportunity for franchises to reshape their squads.
This period allows teams to make tactical swaps or all-cash deals to plug gaps, offload underperformers, and strengthen key areas before the bidding frenzy begins. Among the most active sides in the trade market are the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), two teams that endured vastly different fortunes in IPL 2025 but now share a common goal: balance and stability.
While Mumbai Indians struggled with an inconsistent middle order and a lack of bowling penetration, Sunrisers Hyderabad were plagued by an unreliable pace attack and a thin lower order. Both sides are now exploring trade options that could help them start afresh in 2026. Here’s a closer look at the possible swaps that could reshape both franchises.
Ishan Kishan to Mumbai Indians
One of the biggest names doing the rounds in the trade window is Ishan Kishan, who could be set for a homecoming to Mumbai Indians. According to reports, MI are seriously considering an all-cash deal to bring back their former wicketkeeper-batter, who was released before the IPL 2025 mega auction due to retention constraints.
Kishan, picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad, began his 2025 season brightly, scoring a blistering century against Rajasthan Royals and a fluent 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru but his form faded as the tournament progressed. With SRH reportedly open to releasing him, Mumbai sense an opportunity to reclaim a familiar and proven performer.
For MI, the move makes perfect sense. Kishan has already spent seven seasons with the franchise, scoring over 2,300 runs at a strike rate of 136.85, and is deeply familiar with the team’s culture. His aggressive batting, energy behind the stumps, and chemistry with players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav make him an ideal fit for a comeback.
If SRH agree to the cash-only trade, they would gain valuable funds to rebuild their bowling unit, while MI would secure a dependable wicketkeeper-opener, something they sorely missed in 2025.
Nitish Kumar Reddy for Deepak Chahar
A more intriguing trade possibility is a player swap between Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH) and Deepak Chahar (MI), a deal that could serve both sides perfectly.
Reddy, retained by SRH for Rs 6 crore, endured a disappointing 2025 campaign with just 182 runs and two wickets in 11 innings. Yet, the young all-rounder’s talent as a fearless middle-order hitter remains undeniable. For Mumbai, who lacked a reliable Indian finisher last season, Reddy could be the ideal long-term investment. His ability to clear boundaries and contribute with the ball adds the kind of balance MI desperately need.
On the flip side, SRH’s biggest weakness last season was their new-ball bowling. Their spearhead Mohammed Shami struggled badly, managing only six wickets in nine matches at an economy rate above 11. Deepak Chahar, known for his swing and accuracy in the powerplay, could be the ideal solution.
In IPL 2025, Chahar picked up eight wickets in 14 games with an economy of 8.67 and brings valuable experience from nearly 100 IPL appearances. A Reddy-for-Chahar trade would thus benefit both teams, MI gaining youthful firepower in the middle order, and SRH strengthening their pace attack with a proven new-ball specialist.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Rahul Chahar
Another smart trade option on the table could be a spinner swap – Mujeeb Ur Rahman (MI) for Rahul Chahar (SRH).
Mujeeb, acquired by MI for Rs 2 crore in 2025, played just one game last season, taking a single wicket. With MI seemingly favoring Indian spinners to allow flexibility in overseas slots, Rahul Chahar could be a natural target.
Chahar, who previously played for Mumbai from 2018 to 2021, enjoyed a productive stint, claiming 41 wickets in 39 matches and playing a pivotal role in MI’s title-winning campaigns. Bringing him back would give MI a trusted Indian spin option alongside Karn Sharma, strengthening their attack on slow tracks.
For SRH, trading Chahar for Mujeeb could actually be strategic. The Afghan off-spinner’s mystery spin and ability to trouble right-handers would add much-needed variety to their bowling attack, especially on spin-friendly pitches.
Two Powerhouses Looking for Renewal
Both Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad are heading into IPL 2026 determined to course-correct. MI need to rediscover their batting depth and bowling bite, while SRH are intent on fixing their bowling imbalances and finding consistency in the middle order.
The potential trades Ishan Kishan’s return, Reddy-Chahar swap, and Mujeeb-Rahul Chahar exchange, reflect not just tactical adjustments but also long-term planning. Each move could redefine how these teams approach the next season.
With the IPL 2026 trade window heating up, fans can expect a flurry of action in the coming weeks and if these moves materialize, both MI and SRH could walk into the mini-auction far more balanced and dangerous than they were a year ago.