Mumbai Indians Part Ways With Coaches Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson Ahead of IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have initiated a major coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2027, naming Kieron Pollard as their new Head Coach in place of Mahela Jayawardene. The tactical reset extends to the wider backroom staff, with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson departing and bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey also set to exit.
Five-time Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians have initiated a major restructuring of their support staff, parting ways with bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, alongside fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The decision marks a comprehensive overhaul of the franchise’s tactical department as management works to reset its technical setup following inconsistent campaigns in recent seasons. The departures come shortly after the franchise appointed franchise stalwart Kieron Pollard as their new head coach to replace Mahela Jayawardene. Kieron Pollard Named Mumbai Indians Head Coach Ahead of IPL 2027.
MI Part Ways With Coaches
Backroom Restructuring Under Kieron Pollard
The departure of the three key coaches reflects a fresh strategic direction under Pollard, who stepped into the head coach position after serving as the team's batting coach. Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga had returned to the franchise to oversee the pace attack, having previously spent over a decade as Mumbai's frontline spearhead and bowling mentor. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who worked extensively on the tactical execution and development of domestic bowlers, also exits after his stint with the franchise. Kieron Pollard Withdraws From Joburg Super Kings Ahead of SA20 2027 After Appointment As Mumbai Indians Head Coach.
Carl Hopkinson, who joined the setup after serving as England men’s fielding coach, leaves his role overseeing Mumbai’s fielding department as part of the broader technical reset.
Search for Replacements Underway
With Pollard now at the helm, the franchise has begun reviewing candidates to fill the bowling, fielding, and batting coach vacancies ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction. The management is expected to prioritise specialists capable of working closely with core pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah while nurturing newer bowling talent. Official announcements regarding the incoming technical appointments are anticipated ahead of the pre-season preparatory camps.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2026 03:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).