Mumbai Indians part ways with Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians announced on October 29 that Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson have left the men’s team coaching setup as the franchise reshapes its staff ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The decision follows a ninth-place finish for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, when they won four of 14 league matches.

The changes come after Mumbai Indians also parted ways with head coach Mahela Jayawardene earlier this month, and the club has promoted former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard from batting coach to head coach for IPL 2027. The franchise, a five-time IPL champion, said it aims to rebuild after the recent league campaign and prepare for the next season.

In its announcement on October 29, Mumbai Indians confirmed the exits of Malinga, Mhambrey and Hopkinson from their respective roles in the men’s team coaching setup and thanked them for their contributions. The club statement read: “Their commitment, the relationships they have built and the memories they have helped create will always be part of our journey.”

Lasith Malinga returned to the franchise after retiring as a player, initially serving as a mentor and then taking the fast-bowling coach role ahead of IPL 2024; the club noted his role in four of Mumbai’s IPL title wins and the 2011 Champions League T20 triumph. His departure ends that recent stint with the team.

Paras Mhambrey, who first worked with Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2017 and returned in 2024, was credited by the franchise with helping to develop the team’s bowling resources. The club also noted his service as India’s bowling coach from November 2021 to July 2024.

Carl Hopkinson joined Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2025 season after working with the England men’s team and served as the franchise’s fielding coach, bringing international experience and focusing on improving fielding standards. His exit is part of the wider coaching overhaul announced on October 29.

With Jayawardene’s departure earlier in the month and these three exits, Mumbai Indians have implemented major changes to their coaching setup. Kieron Pollard will lead the team as head coach as the franchise prepares for the IPL 2027 mini-auction, which will take place on 16 December 2026.