Kieron Pollard Named Mumbai Indians Head Coach for IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have appointed former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as their head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. The decision marks a major change in the coaching leadership of the five-time IPL champions, who will enter the upcoming campaign under a familiar face with a long history at the franchise.

Pollard succeeds former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, who has stepped down from the head coach position ahead of the new season. The change comes as Mumbai Indians begin preparations for IPL 2027 and work to establish their coaching structure before the next player auction.

Pollard previously served as Mumbai Indians’ batting coach. His promotion places him in charge of the team’s overall coaching direction, including preparation, tactical planning and player development.

Pollard has been closely associated with Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise as a player in 2010. Renowned for his power-hitting, athletic fielding and useful medium-pace bowling, he became a key member of the team during one of the most successful periods in its history.

The former West Indies international was part of Mumbai’s IPL title-winning campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. His experience in high-pressure T20 cricket and familiarity with the franchise’s environment are central features of his transition into the head coach role.

After retiring from the IPL as a player in 2022, Pollard continued his association with Mumbai Indians through coaching. His work as batting coach gave him an opportunity to contribute to the team’s preparation and support its batters, while maintaining his involvement in the franchise’s wider cricketing setup.

His appointment represents a move from on-field leadership and specialist coaching to responsibility for the team as a whole.

Jayawardene’s exit brings another chapter of his association with Mumbai Indians to a close. During his first spell as head coach, from 2017 to 2022, the franchise won three IPL titles—in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

He returned as head coach ahead of the 2025 season after previously working in a broader performance role within the Mumbai Indians network. However, the team’s 2026 campaign ended with a ninth-place finish, having won four of its 14 league matches.

Pollard now takes over as the franchise prepares for its next campaign. His appointment places responsibility on a former player who understands the expectations associated with Mumbai Indians and the demands of competing in the IPL.

The new head coach will be responsible for guiding Mumbai Indians through preparations for IPL 2027, including squad development, tactical planning and coordination with the support staff. The player auction and decisions about the final coaching structure will be important parts of the franchise’s preparations.

Mumbai Indians have won five IPL championships, making them one of the competition’s most successful teams. The franchise will aim to turn that history into renewed momentum after its difficult 2026 season.

For Pollard, the appointment is a significant step in his coaching career. His challenge will be to translate years of playing experience and his knowledge of Mumbai Indians into a clear team strategy, effective player development and consistent performances throughout the tournament.

As IPL 2027 approaches, attention will turn to how Pollard shapes the squad and leads the franchise in his first season as head coach.