Mumbai Indians have unveiled a major reshuffle of their support staff under newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard. Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who played for the franchise during its inaugural 2008 campaign, joins as the batting coach. T Dilip, who earned significant recognition for his five-year tenure as the fielding coach for the senior Indian men’s team, takes over the same role at the franchise. Dilip brings extensive experience from three major ICC title victories, including the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy, and will reunite with Rohit Sharma at the Mumbai-based side.
The reorganization sees the departure of several previous staff members. The franchise has parted ways with bowling coach Lasith Malinga, who had been in the role since 2024, as well as Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson. In their place, the team has recruited former players Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni to the coaching group. McClenaghan, a New Zealand left-arm seamer, was a key figure during Mumbai’s title-winning runs in 2015, 2017, and 2019, claiming 71 wickets in 56 matches. He also served as the bowling coach for MI Emirates during their championship-winning 2024 ILT20 season.
Dhawal Kulkarni, who competed in 92 IPL matches including stints with Rajasthan Royals and the Gujarat Lions, returns to Mumbai after playing for the franchise during their 2013 title win and later seasons in 2020 and 2021. The franchise confirmed that Kulkarni will take on a year-round role that will ensure continuity in Mumbai Indians’ performance programme, providing consistent support for player development and talent pool depth. While he represented India in 12 ODIs and two T20Is from 2014 to 2016, his 92-match IPL journey included stints with Rajasthan Royals and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions.
For Uthappa, this appointment represents his first professional coaching role following his retirement from the league after the 2022 season. During his playing days, he was a regular fixture for the franchise before being involved in an early league trade for Zaheer Khan. McClenaghan, who was part of the 2020 title-defending squad, brings additional tactical depth to the revamped staff. He was a regular in the MI playing XI in IPL 2008 before being involved in one of the leagues’ earliest trades in exchange for Zaheer Khan from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Although he did not play a game, he was also part of the squad during their successful title defence in 2020.
The newly formed coaching unit, led by Pollard, faces an immediate challenge as they prepare to finalize player retentions before the upcoming auction in December. This transition marks a significant strategic shift for the Mumbai Indians as they look to build on their historic legacy heading into the 2027 tournament.
