Ambati Rayudu: Moving on from Mumbai Indians Fueled Ishan Kishan’s Growth

A New Chapter for Ishan Kishan

In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, few franchises command as much attention as the Mumbai Indians. For years, the team has been a melting pot of international superstars and burgeoning talent. However, according to former IPL veteran Ambati Rayudu, sometimes moving away from that spotlight is exactly what a young player needs to unlock their full potential. Rayudu, who spent eight years with the Mumbai franchise himself, suggests that Ishan Kishan’s recent surge in form is a direct result of his move to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 auction.

The Challenge of the Star-Studded Setup

Rayudu, speaking on ESPNcricinfo Time Out, offered a nuanced take on the pressures of playing alongside established icons. Having been part of the Mumbai setup from 2009 to 2017, Rayudu noted that while he personally navigated those years by focusing on the game rather than the surrounding glamour, the experience is vastly different for younger talents.

“For someone like Ishan, growing up in a franchise like Mumbai, the pressure to become a superstar is immense,” Rayudu explained. “While he is a superstar in his own right now, back then, competing against all the established icons in the dressing room would have been very, very tough. These seasoned veterans know when to switch their game on and when to take a step back. For many young players, the challenge lies in learning how to switch on and off—it is a difficult balancing act, and I am certain Ishan has learned it the hard way.”

A Breakthrough Season

The numbers support the theory that Kishan is currently in the form of his life. As of the latest updates, Kishan sits comfortably in fifth place on the IPL 2026 Orange Cap list. His statistical output has been nothing short of phenomenal: in 14 matches, he has accumulated 569 runs, maintaining a healthy average of 40.64 and a blistering strike rate of 178.36.

His performance is not just about raw power; it is about consistency. His recent 79 off 46 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru served as a masterclass in aggressive batting, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award. Remarkably, this marked his sixth 50-plus score of the current campaign—a personal best, as he had never previously exceeded three such scores in a single IPL season.

The Evolution of Shot Selection and Leadership

Beyond the statistics, Rayudu pointed to a distinct improvement in Kishan’s mental approach to the game. “His shot selection has improved big time,” the former cricketer observed. “In his initial years, we witnessed some questionable decisions at the crease. However, in this season, we have seen him making the right calls more often than not. It is a sign of a maturing cricketer who understands the value of his wicket.”

Rayudu also attributed this growth to Kishan’s experiences as a leader. “I believe his stint as captain for Jharkhand provided him with profound insights into his own game. Often, when players take on the responsibility of captaincy, they transform into more complete batsmen. Kishan is a prime example of this evolution, showing massive improvement in terms of clarity, decision-making, and execution.”

Looking Ahead

As the IPL 2026 season reaches its business end, Ishan Kishan stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, stepping out of a comfort zone is necessary for evolution. By moving away from the intensity of the Mumbai Indians, Kishan has found the space to redefine his role and demonstrate his true capability on the biggest stage. Whether this trajectory continues remains to be seen, but for now, the cricket world is witnessing the emergence of a more focused and dangerous version of the wicketkeeper-batter.