An era ended in IPL as Mahela Jayawardene stepped down as the head coach of Mumbai Indians (MI) after a decade. Jayawardene joined MI as their head coach before IPL 2017. MI won three IPL titles under him.
Jayawardene was elevated to the post of Global Head of Performance of the MI family. He returned as MI’s head coach before IPL 2025 and had another two-year stint with the franchise. MI haven’t won the IPL title since 2020. MI have always had high-profile head coaches and they are likely to appoint a veteran name as Jayawardene’s replacement.
Rahul Dravid, who isn’t part of any IPL franchise, though, won’t join MI. Cricbuzz has reported that Dravid is not in line to replace Jayawardene at MI. The Indian legend returned to Rajasthan Royals (RR) after a decade before IPL 2025, but left the franchise after just one season. Many are expecting Dravid to join MI but he, reportedly, is focused on his sons’ careers. Both are professional cricketers and have played junior cricket for Karnataka.
The report adds that Adam Gilchrist and Eoin Morgan too won’t replace Jayawardene. Both the former IPL captains have never worked as a coach in IPL. Gilchrist famously captained Deccan Chargers to a title win in IPL 2009.
Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders bounced back strongly in the second half of IPL 2021 to qualify for the final. They lost to Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash.
Can Michael Hussey replace Jayawardene?
Michael Hussey has exited Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and he could be one of the strongest contenders to replace Jayawardene. The Australian legend worked as CSK’s batting coach from IPL 2018 to 2026. The Yellow Army won three IPL titles during his stay there.
Stephen , who quit as CSK’s head coach after 16 seasons, has already joined England as their head coach and won’t work in IPL for a couple of years.