Mumbai Indians have unveiled a thoroughly overhauled coaching group for IPL 2027. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa was named batting coach, while New Zealand left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan was brought back to the franchise as bowling coach, directly replacing Lasith Malinga in that role. T Dilip was confirmed as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni was appointed development bowling coach.
This decision comes after West Indies and MI great Kieron Pollard, who had spent four years as batting coach, was elevated to head coach, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene at the top of the support structure. The departures that cleared the path for these appointments were confirmed two days earlier, on October 28, 2026. Mumbai Indians parted ways with Malinga, spin bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson on that date. The five-time IPL champions have now assembled a fresh support staff ahead of the new campaign.
“Under Pollard’s leadership, the coaching group will work closely to strengthen player development, build a high-performance environment and prepare the team for the challenges of the upcoming season,” the franchise stated in an official statement.
Why are Uthappa and McClenaghan significant additions for Mumbai Indians?
This is Uthappa’s first major coaching assignment in the IPL. His ties to the franchise stretch back to the inaugural edition in 2008, when he featured for Mumbai Indians as a player, giving him an understanding of the culture the franchise has built over nearly two decades.
McClenaghan was part of the Mumbai Indians setup from 2015 to 2020 and shared in four of the club’s title-winning campaigns during that period. That familiarity with the franchise’s demands and dressing-room environment strengthens his credentials as he steps into the bowling coach’s position vacated by Malinga.
Kulkarni adds yet another layer of institutional knowledge to the group. The former Mumbai seamer featured for the franchise across separate stints and was a member of the title-winning squads in 2013 and 2020, making him a natural fit in the development bowling coach’s role.
What is the background to the departures that preceded these appointments?
Mhambrey’s exit was notable given the length and depth of his association with the club. He was first linked with Mumbai Indians between 2010 and 2017, then returned to the setup in 2024 before departing alongside Malinga and Hopkinson on October 28, 2026.
Malinga’s contribution to the franchise across his playing career was considerable. The Sri Lankan quick was central to four of Mumbai Indians’ IPL title triumphs and was also part of the side that claimed the 2011 Champions League T20, a trophy that underlines the breadth of his legacy at the club.
Pollard’s move to head coach brings the reshuffle full circle. He takes over from Jayawardene, who had led the franchise’s coaching operations before stepping aside. With Uthappa’s connection dating to 2008, McClenaghan’s stints between 2015 and 2020, and Kulkarni’s title-winning appearances in 2013 and 2020 all woven into the new setup, Mumbai Indians have leaned heavily on familiarity as they prepare for IPL 2027.
