Kieron Pollard named Mumbai Indians head coach ahead of IPL 2027

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have elevated their batting coach, Kieron Pollard, to head coach of the franchise ahead of the 2027 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former West Indies captain, who was part of the team for more than a decade, was the batting coach of the franchise before being promoted to the head coach position.  

Pollard has featured in 189 matches in the IPL for the five-time champions, where he notched up 3412 runs at a blistering strike rate of 147.12, with 16 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 87 runs. In fact, he collected 69 wickets at an economy rate of 8.79.

MI elevate Pollard from batting coach to head coach after a 16-year association

Kieron Pollard has been promoted to the spot, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, with whom the Mumbai Indians parted ways at the beginning of this month. MI had been Pollard’s only IPL team between 2012 and 2022 and won five titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

“Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family. As a player, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach, he has continued to share his experience, passion, and deep understanding of the game.” MI co-owner Nita Ambani expressed in a statement.

“Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan. I am confident that he will bring the same commitment, belief and determination to this role. I wish him every success as he leads the team into its next chapter,” He revealed.

The veteran reflected it as an honour to sit as the head coach of the joint-most successful IPL side as he aims to bring back the glorious days for the side.

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“It is an honour to take on the role of Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me.” Pollard said in a statement.

“I am grateful to Mrs. Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani and the entire MI family for their trust in me. I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate.” He concluded.

How MI performed in IPL 2026: Ninth-place finish and early playoff exit

MI have not been as dominant in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the last few seasons as they were when they became one of the most successful teams of the league. They still made the playoffs in 2023 and 2025. However, in 2024 and 2026, they finished at the tenth and ninth positions, respectively.

During the IPL 2026, Mumbai earned only four victories in 14 clashes at an NRR of -0.584. Out of their first five games, they gained only one victory and were out of the qualification race.

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The big question for the franchise, now, remains on the retention list, and whether they would leave their last season’s captain, Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t done well for the franchise since his comeback with both bat and ball in hand.