Rayudu Believes Leaving Mumbai Indians Helped Ishan Kishan Mature as a Batter

Former Ambati Rayudu believes moving away from Mumbai Indians has played a major role in Ishan Kishan’s development into a more mature and consistent batter during IPL 2026.

Kishan, now representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, is enjoying the best season of his IPL career after spending seven years with Mumbai Indians. Rayudu feels that while MI’s star-studded environment helped Kishan gain exposure, it may also have made it difficult for the young wicketkeeper-batter to fully establish his own identity early in his career.

According to Rayudu, competing for attention and consistency alongside several established superstars at Mumbai could have been mentally challenging for a younger player still learning how to manage pressure and expectations. He added that experienced cricketers often understand how to mentally switch on and off during long tournaments, something younger players usually learn over time.

Kishan’s performances this season suggest that growth has now arrived. The left-hander has scored 569 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate above 178, already recording six scores of fifty or more — easily the best return of his IPL career.

Rayudu particularly praised Kishan’s improved shot selection, saying one of his biggest weaknesses in earlier seasons was poor decision-making under pressure. This year, however, he has shown greater clarity and patience while still maintaining his aggressive approach.

The former India batter also credited Kishan’s leadership role with Jharkhand cricket team for helping him better understand his own game. Rayudu believes captaincy responsibilities often force players to think more deeply about their cricket, and in Kishan’s case, it appears to have sharpened both his temperament and tactical awareness.

Kishan’s latest match-winning innings — a brilliant 79 off 46 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru — further reinforced his evolution into one of SRH’s most dependable performers this season.

With SRH entering the playoffs in strong form, Kishan’s transformation from a naturally talented aggressor into a more complete batter could become one of the defining stories of IPL 2026.

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