New Delhi,Ā Oct 31:
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has been appointed batting coach of Mumbai Indians as the five-time IPL champions announced a revamped coaching staff ahead of the 2027 season. The franchise has also brought in former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach.
The appointments form part of a major restructuring of the support staff following Mumbai Indians’ disappointing ninth-place finish in the previous season. Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has taken over as head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, who had been associated with the franchise for several years.
Uthappa, 40, was a member of India’s victorious squad in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. He represented Mumbai Indians during the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 and now returns to the franchise in a coaching capacity. The team said his experience in Indian and franchise cricket, understanding of modern T20 batting and ability to communicate with younger players would be valuable in strengthening its batting department.
McClenaghan, meanwhile, returns as bowling coach after having represented Mumbai Indians between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand fast bowler was part of four IPL title-winning campaigns with the franchise in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He replaces Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, who were previously associated with the bowling department.
Dilip has been named fielding coach following his successful stint with the Indian men’s team. He was part of the coaching setup during India’s triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kulkarni, a two-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians in 2013 and 2020, has been appointed development bowling coach. He previously represented the franchise in two spells between 2008-2013 and 2020-21.
The revamped coaching group will work under Pollard as Mumbai Indians look to rebuild their campaign and return to title contention in IPL 2027. The franchise said the new appointments would focus on strengthening player development, improving tactical preparation and creating a high-performance environment ahead of the next season.