Kieron Pollard named Mumbai Indians head coach for IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have appointed Kieron Pollard as head coach ahead of IPL 2027, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. Jayawardene’s two-season second stint ended after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The appointment marks a new chapter in Pollard’s 16-year association with the Mumbai-based franchise.

Key moments

Pollard replaces Mahela Jayawardene as Mumbai Indians head coach for IPL 2027. Pollard was part of the squad in each of the five IPL-winning seasons: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. MI has gone six seasons without winning the IPL, its longest such streak, with its last title coming in 2020. Pollard served two seasons as batting coach before being elevated to head coach. Pollard was acquired by MI at the auction ahead of the 2010 season.

Context

The move comes as Mumbai Indians seek to end their longest title drought in the Indian Premier League. The franchise has won five titles, the most recent in 2020, but has not lifted the trophy in six seasons. Management considered overhauling the support staff before deciding on continuity and handing Pollard the reins. Pollard’s familiarity with the franchise’s culture and his rapport with key figures in the dressing room are likely to be central to the decision. He shares a close relationship with Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, two active cricketers who have led MI in different phases with contrasting results. The appointment also raises questions about the franchise’s plans for the next season, particularly amid speculation over the possible release of some high-profile players.

Pollard described the appointment as an honour, underlining his bond with the franchise and its supporters. “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,” he said. MI co-owner Nita M. Ambani said, “Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan.” She added, “I am confident that he will bring the same commitment, belief and determination to this role.”

The 2026 season was Mumbai Indians’ nineteenth appearance in the IPL, with Hardik Pandya as captain and Mahela Jayawardene as coach. Mumbai Indians are a professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, that competes in the Indian Premier League. The team is popularly referred to as MI or MI Paltan. The MI were founded in 2008 and are owned by India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Indiawin Sports. Since its establishment, the team has primarily played its home matches at the 33,108-capacity Wankhede Stadium. It is one of the most successful teams in the IPL.

Related on Apex Sports News

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• Amit Mishra returns to Delhi Capitals as spin bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027

• IPL 2027 auction set for 16 December in Goa, BCCI tells franchises

Sources

• ESPNcricinfo

• sportstar.thehindu.com

• Photo: Adelaide Strikers, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)