Mumbai Indians unveil new coaching group for IPL 2027, Uthappa and McClenaghan return

Mumbai Indians have announced a new coaching group 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, as the five-time champions reshape their backroom staff under head coach Kieron Pollard.

The appointments, announced on Friday, bring former Mumbai Indians players Uthappa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni back to the franchise, while Dilip joins after his stint with the India men's team.

The new coaching group will work under Pollard, who was appointed head coach earlier this month following Mahela Jayawardene's departure. The franchise has also parted ways with bowling coach Lasith Malinga, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson ahead of the 2027 season.


Also read: Mumbai Indians appoint Kieron Pollard as head coach for IPL 2027

The changes mark a significant overhaul of Mumbai Indians' coaching setup as the franchise prepares for the next edition of the Indian Premier League.

Uthappa, who represented Mumbai Indians in 2008, was part of India's squad that won the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007. The franchise said he would focus on developing batting capabilities, tactical decision-making and helping players adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket.

McClenaghan, meanwhile, returns to Mumbai Indians after representing the franchise between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand fast bowler was part of four IPL title-winning campaigns with MI in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

He will take charge of the bowling department, bringing his experience of international and franchise cricket to the role.

Dilip joins after working with the India men's team, where he was part of the coaching setup during the team's triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Also read: Mumbai Indians part ways with Malinga, Mhambrey and Hopkinson; end of an era for Sri Lankan legend

Kulkarni, a two-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians, returns to the franchise after representing it across two spells, 2008-2013 and 2020-21.

In his role as development bowling coach, Kulkarni will work closely with the coaching staff to develop bowling talent, particularly young Indian bowlers. The franchise said his role would extend throughout the year, providing continuity in its performance programme and supporting the development of its talent pool.

Pollard takes charge after Jayawardene exit

The coaching changes follow Pollard's appointment as head coach for IPL 2027. The former West Indies all-rounder had served as Mumbai Indians' batting coach for the previous four IPL seasons after retiring from the league ahead of the 2023 season.

Pollard's association with the franchise spans 16 years, having joined MI as a player in 2010.

Jayawardene, who had two stints as head coach, stepped down after leading the franchise in the previous two seasons. He had earlier coached Mumbai Indians from 2017 to 2022.

The franchise has also confirmed the departures of Malinga, Mhambrey and Hopkinson from its men's team coaching setup.

Malinga played a key role in Mumbai Indians' four IPL title triumphs and the 2011 Champions League T20 victory before returning as a mentor and coach. Mhambrey had a long association with the franchise, serving from 2010 to 2017 before returning in 2024, while Hopkinson joined ahead of the 2025 season.

Mumbai Indians last won the IPL title in 2020. The franchise will look to its revamped coaching group under Pollard as it prepares for IPL 2027.