Mumbai Indians' New Coaching Staff for IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have announced the following four appointments:
Name Coaching Position Kieron Pollard Head Coach Robin Uthappa Batting Coach Mitchell McClenaghan Bowling Coach T. Dilip Fielding Coach Dhawal Kulkarni Development Bowling Coach
1. Robin Uthappa Appointed as Batting Coach
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has been appointed as Mumbai Indians' batting coach for IPL 2027.
Uthappa was part of India's historic squad that won the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007. He also represented Mumbai Indians during the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
During his IPL career, Uthappa represented several franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
He enjoyed his most successful IPL season in 2014, when he won the Orange Cap after scoring 660 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders. He was also part of KKR's IPL-winning campaign in the same year and Chennai Super Kings' title-winning team in 2021.
Uthappa finished his IPL career with 4,411 runs in 177 matches, including 24 half-centuries.
In his new role, he will focus on improving Mumbai Indians' batting performance, strengthening players' tactical decision-making and helping the batting unit adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket.
2. Mitchell McClenaghan Appointed as Bowling Coach
New Zealand's former international fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has been appointed as Mumbai Indians' bowling coach.
McClenaghan is a familiar name for Mumbai Indians supporters, having represented the franchise between 2015 and 2020. He was an important member of the team's bowling attack during several successful IPL campaigns.
The left-arm fast bowler was part of four IPL championship-winning campaigns with Mumbai Indians in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Known for his aggressive bowling approach, ability to take wickets and experience in T20 cricket, McClenaghan will now be responsible for guiding Mumbai Indians' bowling department.
His previous association with the franchise is expected to help him understand the team's culture and expectations.
3. T. Dilip Appointed as Fielding Coach
Mumbai Indians have appointed T. Dilip as their new fielding coach for IPL 2027.
Dilip joins the franchise following an impressive association with the Indian men's cricket team. He was part of India's coaching setup during several major international triumphs.
These include:
- ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
He is recognised for his work in improving fielding standards, athleticism, catching abilities and overall fielding performance.
His appointment is expected to strengthen Mumbai Indians' fielding unit and bring international-level coaching experience to the franchise.
4. Dhawal Kulkarni Appointed as Development Bowling Coach
Former Indian fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni has returned to Mumbai Indians as the development bowling coach.
Kulkarni has a long association with the franchise, having represented Mumbai Indians during two different periods: 2008–2013 and 2020–2021.
He was part of Mumbai Indians' IPL-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020.
The former India pacer brings considerable experience of Indian domestic cricket and international cricket. His new responsibility will primarily involve developing young bowling talent, particularly Indian fast bowlers.
Unlike roles limited to match-day responsibilities, Kulkarni's development bowling position will involve year-round support for the franchise's performance programme and talent development system.
Kieron Pollard to Lead Mumbai Indians as Head Coach
The latest coaching appointments come after Mumbai Indians promoted former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard to the position of head coach for IPL 2027.
Pollard replaced Mahela Jayawardene, who stepped down from the position in October 2026.
Pollard has been associated with Mumbai Indians for approximately 16 years. He joined the franchise as a player in 2010 and became one of its most successful and recognisable players.
During his playing career, Pollard helped Mumbai Indians win five IPL titles. After retiring from the IPL in 2022, he continued his association with the franchise as a batting coach.
His appointment as head coach represents another important chapter in his relationship with the franchise.
Under his leadership, the new coaching team will focus on improving team performance, strengthening player development and preparing Mumbai Indians for the challenges of IPL 2027.
Why Did Mumbai Indians Change Their Coaching Staff ?
The coaching restructuring follows a series of major changes within the Mumbai Indians setup.
On October 29, 2026, Mumbai Indians announced that they had parted ways with three members of their men's team coaching staff:
Lasith Malinga had a long association with Mumbai Indians, first as a player and later in coaching and mentoring roles. He represented the franchise from 2009 to 2019 and played a significant role in its championship-winning campaigns.
Paras Mhambrey also enjoyed a lengthy association with Mumbai Indians, serving the franchise from 2010 to 2017 before returning in 2024.
Carl Hopkinson joined the franchise ahead of the 2025 season after working with the England men's cricket team.
Their departures, followed by the appointment of four new coaches and the promotion of Pollard, represent a major overhaul of Mumbai Indians' coaching structure ahead of the 2027 season.
Mumbai Indians' Roadmap for IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians will enter IPL 2027 with a refreshed coaching structure and renewed expectations.
The franchise has won five IPL championships, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. However, maintaining consistency in recent seasons has been a challenge.
The new coaching group brings together former Mumbai Indians players, international cricket experience and specialised coaching expertise.
Robin Uthappa will work on strengthening the batting department, McClenaghan will oversee bowling, T. Dilip will focus on fielding standards, and Dhawal Kulkarni will concentrate on developing young bowling talent.
With Pollard leading the coaching group, Mumbai Indians will hope to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for another IPL championship.
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