Rahul Dravid, Adam Gilchrist and Eoin Morgan Not in Race for Mumbai Indians Head Coach Role

Mumbai Indians have reportedly ruled out Rahul Dravid, Adam Gilchrist and Eoin Morgan as potential candidates to replace Mahela Jayawardene as head coach ahead of IPL 2027. Following Jayawardene’s departure, the five-time champions are now preparing to identify a successor, but several names linked with the position are understood to be unavailable.

Dravid, who guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, is not considering a return to the IPL coaching circuit next season. After leaving Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 campaign, he received several offers but has chosen to focus on his family and the careers of his sons, Samit and Anvay. Although a return to coaching remains possible in the future, he is not expected to take up a new IPL assignment for 2027.

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist and ex-England captain Eoin Morgan have also been mentioned among the possible candidates. However, neither is believed to be available for the role, leaving Mumbai Indians without an obvious replacement at this stage.

The franchise decided to part ways with Jayawardene after a meeting between officials on Friday evening. The Sri Lankan served as head coach across two stints, first from 2017 to 2022 and again from 2024 to 2026. His departure comes as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season and approaches the IPL retention deadline in mid-November.

Mumbai Indians are also expected to leave decisions regarding the existing support staff to the incoming head coach. Bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, batting coach Kieron Pollard and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson could face uncertainty, as their contracts have either expired or are due to end in the coming months. The interview process for the head coach position is expected to begin soon.

Former Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey is another name who could enter the picture. After recently parting ways with Chennai, Hussey has reportedly approached IPL franchises and is believed to be open to another coaching assignment in the league. He is also understood to have declined an opportunity to join England’s setup under Stephen Fleming and could consider a role in Australia.

South African coach Adrian Birrell and former Australia captain Aaron Finch are also among the names being discussed. Birrell has established an impressive record in franchise cricket, guiding Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three titles and four finals across four SA20 seasons. He also led Sunrisers Leeds Women to the final of The Hundred earlier this year. However, despite interest from several IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians, Birrell is reportedly reluctant to move to the IPL. Finch, meanwhile, is believed to have held discussions with multiple franchises, although his involvement with Mumbai Indians remains unclear.

With Dravid, Gilchrist and Morgan not available, Mumbai Indians will have to explore alternative options as they search for a new head coach. Hussey, Birrell and Finch remain among the names attracting interest across the IPL, while the franchise’s final decision is expected to take shape as the preparations for the 2027 season progress.