Kieron Pollard appointed Mumbai Indians head coach for IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians on October 24, 2026 appointed Kieron Pollard as their head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League. The announcement follows Mahela Jayawardene's exit from the role last week.

The franchise finished ninth in the points table in the last edition, winning 4 of 14 matches, and have not won an IPL title since 2020. Mumbai Indians are five-time champions and will face the IPL 2027 auction in December, a window the club has described as requiring major decisions to return to form.

Pollard has been associated with Mumbai Indians since 2010, joining the squad as a young player and becoming a key figure in their success. He was part of Mumbai Indians' IPL title triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 and contributed to the franchise's Champions League T20 victories in 2011 and 2013.

The former all-rounder retired from the IPL in November 2022 and remained with the franchise, serving as their batting coach for the last four seasons. After that period as a player and coach with the club, Pollard has been given responsibility to lead the coaching staff; this appointment will be his first stint as head coach.

"MI have 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. MI co-owner Nita Ambani welcomed the appointment, saying, "Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family," and adding, "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. We are delighted to see him take on this new responsibility as Head Coach."

Pollard will head Mumbai Indians' coaching setup for the 2027 IPL season and assume the role ahead of the December auction.