Mitchell McClenaghan Returns to Mumbai Indians as Bowling Coach, Replaces Lasith Malinga
Mitchell McClenaghan is back with Mumbai Indians. The former MI pacer has been named the franchise's new bowling coach for IPL 2027. He replaces Lasith Malinga, who held the role before him.
This is a homecoming for the left-arm fast bowler from New Zealand. McClenaghan was with Mumbai from 2015 to 2020. His IPL matches all came in the five seasons from 2015 to 2019. He took 71 wickets in 56 matches, with a best of 4 for 21. His first season was his best start. He took 18 wickets in 12 games, including three wickets in the final against Chennai Super Kings, as Mumbai won the 2015 title. He was also part of the squads that won the titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
He also played at the top level for New Zealand between 2012 and 2018. He became the fastest New Zealander to reach 50 ODI wickets in terms of matches. He has since moved into coaching. He was earlier named bowling coach of MI Cape Town in the SA20.
The man he replaces left big shoes to fill. Malinga played for Mumbai from 2009 to 2019. He took 170 wickets in 122 IPL matches and won four titles with the franchise, in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. He later moved into coaching and worked with the bowlers. Mumbai parted ways with him on Thursday, along with bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.
The appointment is part of a larger reset in the Mumbai dugout. Kieron Pollard became head coach on October 24 after Mahela Jayawardene stepped down on October 17. Robin Uthappa has now been named batting coach. T. Dilip is the fielding coach, and Dhawal Kulkarni is the development bowling coach.
Mumbai have a lot to fix. They finished ninth in the IPL 2026 points table. The bowling unit will be one of the main areas of focus. McClenaghan will have to build a plan before the IPL 2027 mini auction on December 16 in Goa.
The season is set to run from March 10 to May 15, 2027, with 10 teams playing 74 matches. Follow the event page for more news on Mumbai and every other franchise.