Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has recommended that Ishan Kishan should consider returning to Mumbai Indians for the upcoming IPL season. Kaif believes Kishan would benefit from opening the batting at MI, a position where he has historically performed much better. Currently with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kishan bats at number three, which has not suited his strengths. His statistics clearly show the difference: as an opener across 55 innings, he has scored 1733 runs at an average of 33.98, while at number three, he has managed only 532 runs at 26.60 average. Despite being SRH's most expensive purchase at INR 11.25 crore in the auction, his form declined sharply after scoring a century in the season opener. Kaif suggests Mumbai Indians could benefit from having an Indian wicketkeeper-opener, which would allow them flexibility in their overseas player selections.
Kaif Highlights Opening Position Advantage for Kishan
Mohammad Kaif emphasized on his YouTube channel that Ishan Kishan performs significantly better at Wankhede Stadium and as an opening batsman. At Mumbai Indians, Kishan would naturally slot into the opener's role, whereas at Sunrisers Hyderabad, that position is occupied by Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. Kaif noted that despite paying a high price for Kishan, SRH could not provide him the opening slot where he excels. He suggested that Kishan himself might prefer a return to Mumbai if a deal could be arranged. Additionally, having an Indian wicketkeeper-opener would give Mumbai Indians the strategic advantage of fielding another overseas player in their playing eleven, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Source: Link