Kieron Pollard named Mumbai Indians head coach for IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have appointed Kieron Pollard as their head coach ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise announced the decision on Saturday. Pollard replaces Mahela Jayawardene, who has left the role.
Pollard had been the team’s batting coach for several seasons, and the franchise described the change as an elevation from that position.
The details
Co-owner Nita Ambani said Pollard joined the franchise at 22 and has been part of the team for 16 years. Pollard said he was honoured to take on the job and thanked the Ambani family and the MI organisation for their trust.
The 39-year-old played 189 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians. He scored 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 and took 69 wickets, with a best of 4/44. His last IPL appearance came in the 2022 edition, and he also turned out for MI New York in Major League Cricket this year.
The challenge ahead
Mumbai Indians last won the IPL title in 2020, and ending that wait is one of the main tasks facing Pollard in his new role.
Recent form
In IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians won two of their last five matches. They beat Lucknow Super Giants on 4 May and Punjab Kings on 14 May, each by 6 wickets.
They lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 2 wickets on 10 May and to Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 wickets on 20 May. Their most recent match, on 24 May, ended in a 30-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals, who made 205/8 against Mumbai Indians’ 175/9.
