Mumbai Indians Name Kieron Pollard as New Head Coach, Replacing Mahela Jayawardene

Mumbai Indians have appointed franchise stalwart and former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard as their new head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, whose departure after nearly a decade with the team was announced last week.

“MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me,” Pollard said in a statement. He added that his experience as both a player and coach had given him a deep understanding of the franchise’s identity and the responsibility of representing its blue and gold colours.

Pollard joined Mumbai Indians in 2010 as a highly sought-after 22-year-old and became a key figure in one of the most successful eras in IPL history. He was part of five IPL title-winning campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, as well as the franchise’s Champions League T20 triumphs in 2011 and 2013.

After retiring from the IPL as a player in November 2022, Pollard continued with the franchise as batting coach before taking on the top coaching role.

Mumbai Indians have struggled to replicate their earlier dominance in recent seasons. Since their 2020 title win, they have failed to reach another IPL final and have made the playoffs only twice, finishing last in the standings in 2022 and 2024.

Franchise co-owner Nita Ambani welcomed Pollard’s appointment, highlighting his 16-year association with Mumbai Indians and his contributions as both a player and coach.

“ We are delighted to see him take on this new responsibility as Head Coach,” Ambani said in the statement.