Kieron Pollard Named Mumbai Indians Head Coach for IPL 2027, Replaces Mahela Jayawardene
Mumbai Indians have appointed Kieron Pollard as their head coach for IPL 2027. The franchise made the announcement on Saturday, October 24. Pollard moves up from his post as batting coach and takes over from Mahela Jayawardene, who left the job earlier this month.
Jayawardene stepped down on October 17, which ended his second stint in charge. He came back as head coach ahead of IPL 2025. His first spell ran from 2017 to 2022 and produced three titles, in 2017, 2019 and 2020. Mumbai finished ninth in the IPL 2026 points table.
Pollard knows this franchise inside out. He joined Mumbai in 2010 and played 13 seasons for them. He turned out in 189 IPL matches for the side and was part of all five title-winning squads, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. His IPL career also includes 69 wickets, with a best of 4/44. He retired from IPL playing in November 2022 and became the team's batting coach straight away.
In its statement, the franchise called the move an elevation. It said the appointment builds on the team's legacy while helping young talent grow and strengthening the dressing-room culture. Pollard said he has seen the journey as both a player and a coach, and understands what the Blue and Gold stands for. Co-owner Nita Ambani pointed out that he arrived as a 22-year-old and has become an integral part of the MI family over sixteen years.
Mumbai had a deadline to beat. The new head coach had to be in place before the retention deadline, and the IPL 2027 mini auction is set for December 16 in Goa. The season itself is scheduled to run from March 10 to May 15, 2027.
Mumbai are now the latest franchise to settle their top job for the new season. Chennai Super Kings have named Zaheer Khan as head coach, and Delhi Capitals have confirmed Sourav Ganguly. With the auction and retentions coming up, all three sides now have a head coach in place.