IPL 2027: Mumbai Indians appoint T Dilip as fielding coach
T Dilip joins Kieron Pollard's revamped coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027.
Mumbai Indians have appointed T Dilip as fielding coach for IPL 2027. Robin Uthappa will be batting coach and Mitchell McClenaghan bowling coach, while Dhawal Kulkarni returns as development bowling coach.
Key takeaways
- T Dilip appointed Mumbai Indians fielding coach for IPL 2027
- Kieron Pollard is head coach of the revamped staff
- Robin Uthappa returns as batting coach
- Mitchell McClenaghan appointed bowling coach
- Dhawal Kulkarni returns as development bowling coach
Mumbai Indians have appointed T Dilip as fielding coach ahead of IPL 2027, RevSportz reported, with Hindustan Times confirming the announcement came on Friday ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027 edition.
Dilip joins a revamped coaching group under head coach Kieron Pollard, who was named head coach after Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from the role. The franchise confirmed the appointment in an official release, completing the coaching revamp spearheaded by Pollard.
Full coaching staff
Robin Uthappa returns to the franchise as batting coach. A member of India’s victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, he represented Mumbai Indians in 2008. This will be Uthappa’s first coaching gig in the IPL. His focus will be on developing the team’s batting, strengthening tactical decision-making and helping players adapt to the evolving demands of the format.
Mitchell McClenaghan has been appointed bowling coach. A four-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians, he played for the franchise between 2015 and 2020 and was part of the title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Known for his competitive spirit and attacking approach, he brings international experience and a strong understanding of T20 bowling.
Dhawal Kulkarni, a two-time IPL champion with MI in 2013 and 2020, returns as development bowling coach. He represented the franchise across two spells, from 2008 to 2013 and from 2020 to 2021.
A familiar face in Mumbai cricket, he brings a deep understanding of Indian conditions.
His year-round role will focus on developing the team’s bowling talent, particularly among young Indian bowlers, ensuring continuity in the Mumbai Indians’ performance programme and providing consistent support for player development and talent pool depth.
T Dilip’s background
T Dilip joins the franchise after a successful tenure with the India men’s team, where he was part of the coaching set-up during India’s triumphs at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Highly regarded for his work as a fielding coach, Dilip places a strong emphasis on athleticism, preparation, consistency and excellence in the field. He will oversee the fielding department.
Recent Mumbai Indians record
Mumbai Indians have not won the IPL in the last six years. The franchise finished at the bottom in the 2024 season.
2025 saw the franchise reach Qualifier 2, but the 2026 edition once again saw the team finishing in the bottom half of the table (9th spot). Mumbai Indians are one of the most successful teams in the IPL.
Founded in 2008 and owned by Reliance Industries through Indiawin Sports, the team primarily plays its home matches at the 33,108-capacity Wankhede Stadium.
What happens next
Mumbai Indians will prepare for IPL 2027 under Kieron Pollard, whose association with MI spans 16 years. The coaching revamp is now complete, with several other names joining the support staff. The franchise will look to improve on its recent league finishes.
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