Mumbai Indians promote Kieron Pollard to head coach after Mahela Jayawardene's exit

Mumbai Indians have promoted Kieron Pollard from batting coach to head coach for IPL 2027, handing the job to a man who has spent sixteen years at the franchise

The five-time champions announced the appointment on Saturday, a week after Mahela Jayawardene stepped down and brought a decade-long association with the club to a close. It is the first head coaching role of Pollard's career.

In a statement, the franchise said it was "pleased to announce the elevation of Kieron Pollard to Head Coach", describing the move as the continuation of one of cricket's most enduring player-to-coach associations.

"It is an honour to take on the role of Head Coach of Mumbai Indians," Pollard said. "I am grateful to Mrs. Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani and the entire MI family for their trust in me."

From a 2010 signing to the top job

Pollard joined Mumbai Indians in 2010 and never played for another IPL side, finishing with 3412 runs in 189 matches at a strike rate of 147.32 and an average of 28.67, with 16 half-centuries.

He also took 69 wickets, with a best of 4-44, and was part of all five of the franchise's title wins, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, as well as two Champions League T20 titles in 2011 and 2013.

"MI has been a huge part of my life and career," Pollard said of the franchise he joined as a 22-year-old.

The West Indies all-rounder retired from the IPL in 2022 and moved straight onto the coaching staff, where he has worked as batting coach since.

Now 39, he has not stopped playing, turning out for MI New York in Major League Cricket this year.

What Jayawardene leaves behind

Jayawardene coached Mumbai Indians across two stints, from 2017 to 2022 and again from 2024 to 2026, winning three IPL titles in the role.

Between those two spells the Sri Lankan moved into a global role with the organisation, overseeing its expansion into leagues beyond the IPL, before returning to the dugout.

"Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now," he said when his departure was announced.

Nita Ambani said of the Sri Lankan: "His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us."

A ninth-place finish to answer for

Pollard inherits a side that finished ninth in IPL 2026, with only four wins from its 14 matches.

The franchise's last title came in 2020, seven seasons ago, and the squad that will chase the sixth is not yet settled.

The retention deadline comes first

Franchises must submit their retained and released lists by 15 November, which gives Pollard three weeks to decide which core he wants to keep.

The mini-auction follows in December. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said: "This year, after hosting the IPL auction in three foreign locations, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year, we are going to host it in Goa in the month of December."

The board has not yet confirmed a date for it.

The staff around him

Pollard takes charge of a support staff that keeps Sachin Tendulkar as the franchise icon and Zubin Bharucha as director of performance.

Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey are listed as bowling coaches, with Carl Hopkinson as fielding coach and Rahul Sanghvi as director of cricket.

Ben Langley heads sports science and medicine, Paul Chapman is strength and conditioning coach, Craig Govender the physiotherapist and Prashant C. Jangam the team manager.

Nita Ambani, welcoming the appointment, said the franchise was "delighted to see him take on this new responsibility as Head Coach".

Pollard begins work immediately, with Mumbai Indians' retention list due on 15 November.

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