The IPL 2026 auction is still a few months away, but the trade window is still open, and a lot is happening behind the scenes where franchises are exploring their potential trade options before the players go under the hammer.

One of the players attracting a lot of attention is wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. In an interesting report, five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have shown a lot of interest in bringing back Ishan Kishan to the fold.

Times of India has reported that there has been an approach from MI for Kishan, but nothing has materialized at this stage. And not only MI, but Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have approached SRH for a potential trade/all-cash deal for Kishan, but there hasn't been any further development on that front.

MI has always had an eye on the future, and Kishan is someone in whom they have made significant investments in the past, and he currently meets the criteria for the Mumbai-based franchise. However, everything is dependent on how the communication between MI and SRH occurs.  

Kishan had his greatest years in the IPL at MI, but he failed to live up to his hype at SRH despite fetching Rs 11.25 crore at the mega-auction. The left-hander had a strong start to the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, scoring 173 against Tamil Nadu and playing a key role in Jharkhand's innings and 114-run victory.

In the same vein, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is reportedly looking for a replacement for R Ashwin as a spin-bowling off-spinner. And they have shortlisted Tamil Nadu’s own Washington Sundar.

Ashwin, who had returned home to CSK in IPL 2025 after 9 years, had a difficult season, taking seven wickets at an average of 40.42. While there was a report citing potential trade between Ashwin and RR’s Sanju Samson, with Ashwin calling time on his IPL retirement, those rumors have been put to rest.

According to Tamil Samayam, CSK is targeting Washington Sundar from the Gujarat Titans and has initiated talks with the franchise for a potential trade. The report further suggested that GT has agreed to release Sundar without imposing any conditions.

Sundar played only six games for GT in IPL 2025 and picked only two wickets in 10 overs he bowled. Gujarat had signed him for INR 3.2 crore—the same amount CSK is expected to pay in the trade.

The CSK administration has reportedly chosen to split ways with numerous underperforming senior players, including Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, and Deepak Hooda.

Historically, CSK has depended on seasoned campaigners, forming its core around players who have been with the team for nearly a decade. However, with veterans such as Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, and Dwayne Bravo retiring or stepping down after 2021, the long-standing formula has lost its effectiveness.