Mumbai Indians Appoint Robin Uthappa as Batting Coach for IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have appointed former India batter Robin Uthappa as their batting coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season, continuing a substantial overhaul of the five-time champions’ coaching staff.

Uthappa takes over the batting role previously held by Kieron Pollard, who has been promoted to head coach following the departure of Mahela Jayawardene. The change comes after Mumbai Indians won four of their 14 matches and finished ninth in IPL 2026.

The appointment marks a return to the franchise for Uthappa, who played for Mumbai Indians in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The former India player arrives with a long record in the competition, including title-winning campaigns with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and Chennai Super Kings in 2021.

Uthappa returns to Mumbai Indians with extensive IPL experience

Mumbai Indians announced Uthappa’s appointment on social media, welcoming him back to the team and highlighting his experience and ability to work with younger players.

“From being part of our very first season to returning with a wealth of experience! Robbie brings a sharp understanding of the game, great communication, and the clarity to guide youngsters! Welcome back to the Paltan, Robin! Aapla new Batting Coach,” the franchise wrote.

Uthappa played for six franchises across his IPL career and scored 4,411 runs in 177 matches, at a strike rate of 130.50. His record includes 24 half-centuries.

One of the defining individual seasons of his IPL career came in 2014, when he scored 660 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders and won the Orange Cap. KKR went on to win the title that year. Uthappa later added another IPL title with Chennai Super Kings in 2021 before retiring from the league in September 2022.

He was also part of India’s victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007. For Mumbai Indians, the role represents a new chapter at a franchise with which he has had a connection since the beginning of the IPL.

Uthappa’s arrival forms part of a wider staff rebuild under Pollard, whose association with Mumbai Indians spans 16 years. Pollard will now lead the coaching group as the franchise prepares for the 2027 campaign.

Mumbai Indians complete key additions to Pollard’s coaching staff

Mumbai Indians have also confirmed Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T. Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach. The appointments follow the exits of bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, from the men’s team setup.

McClenaghan returns after representing Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2020. The former New Zealand pacer was part of four IPL-winning campaigns with the franchise, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and will take charge of the bowling unit.

Dilip joins after working with the India men’s team. He was part of the coaching setup during India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victories in 2024 and 2026, as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy triumph.

Kulkarni, an IPL winner with Mumbai Indians in 2013 and 2020, returns in a development bowling position. He represented the franchise in two spells, from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2020-21. His role will involve nurturing young Indian bowlers and supporting the franchise’s talent development programme throughout the year.

With Uthappa now responsible for batting, McClenaghan leading the bowling unit, Dilip joining as fielding coach and Kulkarni working in player development, Mumbai Indians have put a new support structure in place around Pollard for IPL 2027.