Former India cricketer and two-time IPL champion, Robin Uthappa, has been named the batting coach for Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The changes in MI’s support staff include the addition of Mitchell McClenaghan as the bowling coach, T Dilip as the fielding coach, and Dhawal Kulkarni as the development bowling coach. Kieron Pollard steps in as the new head coach, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene.
These appointments follow MI’s decision to part ways with their bowling coaches, Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, as well as fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, marking a significant reshuffle in the team’s coaching lineup.
Robin Uthappa, who played for MI in the IPL’s debut season back in 2008, joins a familiar environment. Despite only a single season with MI, where he accumulated 320 runs in 14 matches, Uthappa’s IPL journey later saw him win trophies with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and Chennai Super Kings in 2021. Across 205 IPL matches, Uthappa has amassed an impressive 4952 runs.
Mitchell McClenaghan, a former New Zealand fast bowler, had a successful stint with MI between 2015 and 2019. He claimed 71 wickets in 56 matches and was instrumental in their title victories in 2015 and 2019.
Dhawal Kulkarni, an ex-India international, returns to a team he first joined from 2008 to 2013, and then again in 2020-2021. Known for his contributions to MI’s maiden title win in 2013 and subsequent triumph in 2020, Kulkarni’s inclusion underscores MI’s preference for individuals familiar with the franchise’s ethos.
T Dilip, previously an India fielding coach from 2021 through to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25, brings a wealth of experience to MI’s fielding unit.
The newly formed coaching team at MI is gearing up for their first major challenge, which comes with the IPL 2027 mini-auction scheduled for 16th December in Goa. Preparing strategically for the auction will be crucial as MI aims to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
