Hardik Pandya Explains Why Mumbai Indians Will Miss Ishan Kishan In IPL 2025

In a poignant turn of events, Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya shared an emotional message as the franchise parted ways with their long-time wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. The dynamic cricketer, who had been an integral part of MI’s journey for six years, was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a staggering ₹11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking the end of an era for the Mumbai-based team.

The Tough Goodbye

Hardik Pandya, the face of MI’s leadership, reflected on the bittersweet moment in a heartfelt video released by the franchise. Speaking with candor, he acknowledged the immense value Kishan brought to the team, both on and off the field.

“Ishan has been the ‘freshness’ and the ‘energy’ of the room,” Pandya remarked. “When we couldn’t retain him, we always knew it’s going to be very difficult to get him back from the auction simply because of the kind of player and skillset he brings.”

Despite MI’s efforts to reclaim Kishan during the auction, they were outbid by other franchises, including aggressive bids from Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The competitive nature of the bidding underscored Kishan’s immense value as one of the league’s most sought-after talents.

Kishan’s Legacy at Mumbai Indians

Joining MI in 2018, Ishan Kishan quickly established himself as one of the most promising young players in the league. In his debut season, he scored 275 runs at a scintillating strike rate of 150, setting the stage for a prolific IPL career.

Kishan’s crowning moment came in IPL 2020, where he emerged as MI’s highest run-scorer, amassing 516 runs and earning accolades for hitting the most sixes in the tournament. His fearless batting and ability to perform under pressure made him a cornerstone of MI’s batting lineup.

MI’s faith in Kishan was evident when they secured him for a record ₹15.25 crore in the IPL 2022 auction, making him the most expensive player in the franchise’s history. Over the years, Kishan became synonymous with MI’s success, contributing significantly to their championship-winning campaigns.

Hardik Pandya on Kishan’s Impact

For Hardik, Kishan was more than just a teammate; he was a bundle of energy and joy who brought life to the dressing room.

“He always kept the dressing room light and made a lot of people smile. That love and warmth came naturally to him,” Pandya said. “There will be less cake smashing, fewer pranks happening without him. Ishan brought so much love to this team, and as a group, we are truly going to miss him.”

Pandya affectionately referred to Kishan as MI’s “pocket dynamo,” emphasizing his ability to deliver big performances despite his diminutive stature. “Ishan Kishan, you will always be MI’s pocket dynamo. We are all going to miss you, and we all love you,” he added, reflecting the deep bond shared between Kishan and the MI squad.

Why MI Let Kishan Go

The decision to part ways with Kishan was not an easy one for Mumbai Indians. With IPL 2025 introducing a mega auction, franchises were forced to make tough calls regarding their squad compositions. MI’s management, known for their strategic acumen, decided to focus on other areas of their team while acknowledging the financial constraints of retaining a high-value player like Kishan.

“We knew it would be tough to get him back,” Hardik admitted, highlighting the inevitability of the situation given the high demand for Kishan’s services. Despite making an early bid, MI had to bow out as the auction battle intensified.

Ishan Kishan’s Journey with MI

Over six years, Ishan Kishan became an integral part of the Mumbai Indians family. Here’s a look at his remarkable journey:

2018: Kishan debuted for MI, scoring 275 runs at a strike rate of 150. His attacking style immediately caught the eye.
2020: A standout season where Kishan amassed 516 runs, becoming MI’s highest run-scorer and hitting the most sixes in the tournament.
2022: MI retained their faith in Kishan by purchasing him for ₹15.25 crore, the highest price in their history.
2023-2024: Kishan continued to be a mainstay, contributing with the bat and keeping wickets, further cementing his importance in the squad.

What Kishan Brings to SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off a coup by securing Ishan Kishan for ₹11.25 crore, and they now boast a player capable of transforming games single-handedly. Kishan’s versatility as an opener and middle-order batter, coupled with his sharp wicketkeeping skills, makes him a complete package.

For SRH, Kishan is not just an investment but a statement of intent. His ability to accelerate the game in powerplays and his fearless approach against quality bowling attacks make him a match-winner on any given day.

MI’s Transition Without Kishan

While the departure of a star player like Ishan Kishan leaves a void, Mumbai Indians have a history of building strong squads capable of adapting to change. The franchise’s talent scouting and grooming mechanisms are among the best in the IPL, ensuring a steady pipeline of emerging players ready to take on bigger roles.

The likes of Tilak Varma and Dewald Brevis are expected to step up, while MI’s leadership group, led by Hardik Pandya, will focus on creating a new core that can drive the team forward.

Final Thoughts: A Fond Farewell

The departure of Ishan Kishan marks the end of a cherished chapter for Mumbai Indians. However, his contributions will forever be etched in the team’s history. For fans and teammates alike, Kishan’s vibrant personality and impactful performances have left an indelible mark.

As Hardik Pandya poignantly expressed, “We are all going to miss you, and we all love you.” Kishan’s journey with MI may have concluded, but his legacy as one of their finest players will endure.

As he dons the orange jersey of SRH, Kishan embarks on a new journey, one filled with opportunities to shine on a different stage. For Mumbai Indians, it’s a chance to rebuild, but for Ishan Kishan, it’s a chance to create new memories, backed by the love and admiration of fans across the league.

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