SportsPosted at: Oct 24 2026 9:01PM


Pollard elevated as Mumbai Indians head coach ahead of IPL 2027

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have elevated Kieron Pollard as their head coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The former West Indies all-rounder takes over from Mahela Jayawardene, who parted ways with the franchise last weekend.
Pollard, 39, was MI’s batting coach for the last four IPL seasons after retiring from the league ahead of the 2023 edition. His elevation to the top job marks his first appointment as head coach.

Pollard has been associated with Mumbai Indians since 2010, when he joined the franchise as a player. He was part of all five of MI’s IPL title-winning campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, as well as their two Champions League T20 triumphs in 2011 and 2013.

He played 189 IPL matches, scoring 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 and taking 69 wickets. His last appearance in the league came in the 2022 season, following which he moved into a coaching role with the franchise.

“It is an honour to take on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians,” Pollard said in a statement. “MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan (fanbase) means a great deal to me. 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.”

“I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate,” he added.

Pollard has also represented MI’s sister franchises in the MLC, ILT20 and SA20. He continues to play in franchise cricket, turning out for MI New York in the MLC and Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League this year. Earlier this month, he was picked by Joburg Super Kings at the SA20 player auction for the 2027 season.

Team owner Nita Ambani said Pollard’s long association with the franchise made him an integral part of the MI family.

“Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family. As a player, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach, he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep understanding of the game,” she said.

“Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan. I am confident that he will bring the same commitment, belief and determination to this role. I wish him every success as he leads the team into its next chapter,” she added.

Pollard’s immediate task will be to finalise Mumbai Indians’ player retentions ahead of the IPL auction, scheduled to be held in Goa in December.
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