Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday, October 30, 2026, officially announced a significant revamp of their coaching staff for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season.
The storied franchise has brought in former players Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni, alongside highly-regarded fielding expert T. Dilip, to bolster their support system under the new Head Coach, Kieron Pollard.
Mumbai Indians Announce New Coaching Staff Ahead of IPL 2027
The announcement sees Mitchell McClenaghan, a four-time IPL winner with MI, stepping into the role of Bowling Coach, while T. Dilip, fresh from a successful tenure with the Indian men’s national team, has been named the Fielding Coach. Dhawal Kulkarni, a long-serving domestic cricket stalwart for Mumbai, joins the setup as Development Bowling Coach. These appointments follow the earlier elevation of franchise legend Kieron Pollard to the Head Coach position, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene.
A Blend of Experience and Familiarity
The new coaching group signals a clear intent from the Mumbai Indians to integrate individuals deeply familiar with the franchise’s ethos and winning mentality. Robin Uthappa, another former India international, has also joined as the Batting Coach.
McClenaghan’s return to the MI family, albeit in a coaching capacity, is particularly noteworthy. The New Zealand left-arm pacer was an integral part of MI’s title-winning campaigns between 2015 and 2020, known for his aggressive approach and knack for picking up crucial wickets. His experience of playing in the demanding IPL environment will be invaluable for the team’s bowling unit.
T. Dilip’s appointment as Fielding Coach brings a wealth of recent international success to MI. Dilip served as the fielding coach for the India men’s team from 2021 until August 2026 and was part of the coaching setup during India’s triumphs at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, as well as a Champions Trophy victory in 2025. His innovative training methods and focus on high standards have garnered significant praise throughout the cricketing world.
Dhawal Kulkarni’s transition to the Development Bowling Coach role sees another Mumbai cricket icon contributing to the franchise. Kulkarni, who retired from all forms of cricket after helping Mumbai win their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy in March 2024, has a rich history with Mumbai Indians as a player and was also appointed as Mumbai’s domestic team bowling mentor in May 2024. His understanding of local talent and player progression will be crucial for nurturing future stars.
Key Coaching Appointments for IPL 2027
| Role | Coach | Previous Affiliation / Noted Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Kieron Pollard | Mumbai Indians (Player), Previous Assistant Coach, Elevated October 2026 |
| Batting Coach | Robin Uthappa | Former India & IPL Player, Appointed October 2026 |
| Bowling Coach | Mitchell McClenaghan | Mumbai Indians (Player: 2015-2020), 4x IPL Champion |
| Fielding Coach | T. Dilip | India Men’s Team Fielding Coach (2021-2026), 2x T20 World Cup Winner, Champions Trophy Winner |
| Development Bowling Coach | Dhawal Kulkarni | Mumbai Ranji Team (Player & Mentor), Former MI Player, Retired March 2024 |
This comprehensive overhaul comes after the departures of previous bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson on October 29, 2026. With a fresh leadership structure and a blend of familiar faces and seasoned experts, Mumbai Indians will be aiming to build a formidable squad and strategy for the IPL 2027 season.
The franchise is keen to leverage the deep understanding and competitive spirit of their former players, combined with the proven coaching prowess of new additions like T. Dilip, as they set their sights on another successful IPL campaign.