2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad member named Mumbai Indians batting coach

Robin Uthappa with the 2007 World Cup trophy (left) and MI batter Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians on Friday announced their new-looked support staff for IPL 2027, appointing Robin Uthappa as batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T. Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach.The four will work alongside head coach

Kieron Pollard

, who replaced Mahela Jayawardene last week, as Mumbai Indians put together a new coaching group ahead of the next season.

Uthappa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni have previously represented Mumbai Indians as players. Pollard, meanwhile, has been associated with the franchise for 16 years.Uthappa was part of India's squad that won the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007. He represented Mumbai Indians in 2008 and brings experience from Indian domestic and franchise cricket.McClenaghan was part of Mumbai Indians' title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer represented the franchise between 2015 and 2020 and will now take charge of the bowling group.Dilip joins Mumbai Indians after working with the India men's team. He was part of the coaching staff during India's title wins at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Kulkarni, a two-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians in 2013 and 2020, returns to the franchise after representing the team in two spells — from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2020-21.

The former Mumbai pacer will work closely with the coaching staff during the season, focusing on the development of the team's bowling resources, particularly young Indian bowlers. His role will continue throughout the year, providing support to players and helping the franchise strengthen its pool of bowling talent.The coaching overhaul comes after Mumbai Indians, who are five-time IPL champions, performed below-average last season.