Kieron Pollard has taken over from Mahela Jayawardene as head coach of Mumbai Indians, and the franchise has turned to one of its best-known former players to lead it into IPL 2027.
Jayawardene parted ways with the team last weekend, and the new appointment follows quickly.
Pollard spent the last four IPL seasons as MI’s batting coach, after he retired from playing in the league ahead of the 2023 season. He now moves up to the top job, which is also the first time he has held a head coaching role.
At 39, he is still active on the franchise circuit, having played for MI New York in the MLC and for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL this year. Earlier this month, Joburg Super Kings signed him in the SA20 player auction for the 2027 season.
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Kieron Pollard record at Mumbai Indians
His association with the club goes back a long way, since MI first signed him as a player before the 2010 season. He was part of every one of the franchise’s five IPL title wins, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and he also won the Champions League T20 with them in 2011 and 2013.
His last season as a player was 2022. He has also played for MI’s sister franchises in the MLC, ILT20 and SA20 over the years.
Here's Pollard's record with Mumbai Indians:
| Matches | 189 |
| Runs | 3,412 |
| Strike rate | 147.32 |
| Wickets | 69 |
| IPL titles with MI | 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) |
| CLT20 titles with MI | 2 (2011, 2013) |
"It is an honour to take on the role of Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan [fanbase] means a great deal to me," Pollard shared in an official statement.
"Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold.
"I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate."
Mumbai Indians support staff for IPL 2027
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | Icon |
| Kieron Pollard | Head Coach |
| Zubin Bharucha | Director of Performance |
| Lasith Malinga | Bowling Coach |
| Paras Mhambrey | Bowling Coach |
| Carl Hopkinson | Fielding Coach |
| Rahul Sanghvi | Director of Cricket |
| Dhananjai CKM | Chief Officer – Performance Data and Innovation |
| Ben Langley | Head of Sports Science and Medicine |
| Paul Chapman | Strength and Conditioning Coach |
| Craig Govender | Physiotherapist |
| Prashant C. Jangam | Team Manager |
Additional support staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Varun L. | Data Analyst |
| Amit Shah | Head Massage Therapist |
| Pratik Kadam | Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach |
| Amit Dubey | Assistant Physiotherapist |
| Sohrab Khushrushahi | Mobility and Movement Trainer |
| Vijay Kushwaha | Assistant Massage Therapist |
| Mayur Satpute | Assistant Massage Therapist |
| Kinita Patel | Team Nutritionist |