Kieron Pollard Named Mumbai Indians Head Coach for IPL 2027

Kieron Pollard has been appointed Mumbai Indians head coach ahead of IPL 2027, taking over after four seasons as the franchise’s batting coach. The former Mumbai Indians all-rounder succeeds Mahela Jayawardene and will lead the side into its next phase after a long association with the team as both player and coach.

The appointment marks Pollard’s first role as a head coach. He retired from playing in the IPL following the 2022 season and moved into Mumbai Indians’ coaching staff as batting coach ahead of the 2023 campaign. Now, the 39-year-old has been elevated to the top job at a franchise with which he has been closely linked since joining as a player before the 2010 season.

Pollard’s first major responsibility in the new role will be to help finalise Mumbai Indians’ retentions before the player auction, which is scheduled to be held in Goa in December. That process will shape the squad the new coach works with for the 2027 season.

A Mumbai Indians career spanning player and coach roles

Pollard’s appointment continues a relationship that has lasted 16 years. He was part of all five of Mumbai Indians’ IPL title-winning campaigns, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He was also a member of the franchise’s two CLT20-winning sides in 2011 and 2013.

In his IPL playing career, Pollard featured in 189 matches, scoring 3,412 runs at a strike-rate of 147.32. He also claimed 69 wickets. His final IPL season as a player came in 2022 before he transitioned to the batting-coach position.

His experience within the wider Mumbai Indians network also extends beyond the IPL. Pollard has played for the franchise’s sister teams in Major League Cricket, ILT20 and SA20. He has represented MI New York in the MLC and remained active in franchise cricket this year with Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL. Earlier this month, he was signed by Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 player auction for the 2027 season.

In a statement issued following his appointment, Pollard said it was an honour to become head coach of Mumbai Indians. He described the team as a major part of his life and career and pointed to the significance of his bond with the players and the franchise’s supporters, known as the Paltan.

Pollard said his experiences as both a Mumbai Indians player and coach had given him an understanding of what the team represents and the responsibility attached to representing its colours. He added that he looked forward to working with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy and helping its talent grow.

Pollard begins a new chapter ahead of the auction

Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani said Pollard had become an integral part of the franchise after arriving as a 22-year-old. She highlighted his contribution as a player, his continued work as a coach, and the experience, passion and understanding of the game he has brought to the set-up.

Ambani said Pollard understands what it means to wear the Mumbai Indians jersey and what is required to play for the Paltan. She expressed confidence that he would bring commitment, belief and determination to the head-coach position as the team starts its next chapter.

For Pollard, the move represents a step from specialist batting coaching into overall leadership of a side he helped build through its most successful IPL years. With retention decisions and the December auction ahead, Mumbai Indians’ preparations for IPL 2027 will now begin under one of the most familiar figures in the franchise’s history.