Mumbai Indians Name 2-Time IPL Winner With KKR And CSK As Batting Coach

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Friday announced the appointment of former India star Robin Uthappa as their new batting coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The announcement came just days after Kieron Pollard, who was earlier the batting coach, took over as the team's head coach, replacing Sri Lanka great Mahela Jayawardene. After managing just four wins in 14 matches and finishing ninth in IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians have opted for a major overhaul of their coaching setup. As part of the revamp, Uthappa will take over batting coach duties from Pollard.

"From being part of our very first season to returning with a wealth of experience! Robbie brings a sharp understanding of the game, great communication, and the clarity to guide youngsters! Welcome back to the Paltan, Robin! Aapla new Batting Coach," wrote MI on X (formerly Twitter).

From being part of our very first season to returning with a wealth of experience! Robbie brings a sharp understanding of the game, great communication, and the clarity to guide youngsters! Welcome back to the Paltan, Robin! आपला new Batting Coach. https://t.co/OrIsO6dqgi

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 30, 2026

The franchise has also confirmed the appointments of Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T. Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach under new head coach Kieron Pollard.

The appointments follow Pollard's elevation to head coach after Jayawardene's departure. Pollard, whose association with Mumbai Indians spans 16 years, will lead the revamped coaching group as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027.

Earlier on Thursday, the franchise announced that bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, would be leaving the men's team setup.

The new group combines familiar faces from Mumbai Indians' playing history with coaching experience at the international level, as the franchise looks to build its support staff ahead of the upcoming season.

Uthappa, a member of India's victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, returns to the franchise where he played during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The former India batter featured for six franchises during his IPL career, scoring 4,411 runs in 177 matches at a strike rate of 130.50, including 24 half-centuries.

He won the Orange Cap in 2014 after scoring 660 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), helping them secure the title that season. He also won the IPL with Chennai Super Kings in 2021 before retiring from the league in September 2022.

McClenaghan, meanwhile, reunites with the Mumbai Indians after representing the franchise between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer was part of four IPL-winning campaigns with MI, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and will now take charge of the team's bowling unit.

Dilip joins the franchise after a successful stint with the India men's team. He was part of the coaching setup during India's triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His appointment is expected to strengthen the team's fielding standards and preparation.

Kulkarni, a two-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians in 2013 and 2020, returns after representing the franchise across two spells, from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2020-21. In his development bowling role, he will focus on nurturing young Indian bowlers and supporting the franchise's talent development programme throughout the year.

With IANS Inputs

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