Robin Uthappa, the former India batsman and double IPL champion, has taken on the role of batting coach for Mumbai Indians (MI) as they look ahead to the 2027 IPL season. Joining Uthappa in the coaching set-up are Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T Dilip as fielding coach, and Dhawal Kulkarni focusing on development bowling, all under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard.
The changes follow Kieron Pollard’s recent appointment as head coach, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene, while MI bid farewell to previous coaches Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson.
Both Uthappa and McClenaghan are returning to a familiar environment, having played for MI in past IPL seasons. Uthappa was part of MI during the inaugural 2008 season, scoring 320 runs in 14 matches. He later flourished with other teams, notably winning titles with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and Chennai Super Kings in 2021. In total, he played 205 IPL matches, amassing 4,952 runs.
McClenaghan, meanwhile, featured prominently for MI from 2015 to 2019, taking 71 wickets in 56 matches and contributing significantly to their 2015 and 2019 title victories.
Dhawal Kulkarni, having donned the MI jersey from 2008-2013 and again in 2020-2021, also brings considerable experience. He played a part in MI’s landmark victories, including their first title win in 2013 and another triumph in 2020.
Rounding off the coaching line-up is T Dilip, who has a solid background with the India national team, having worked with the squad through key series, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy until 2024-25.
The new coaching team is set to face its first major challenge with the upcoming mini-auction for IPL 2027, scheduled to take place on 16 December in Goa.
