Mumbai Indians have announced Mahela Jayawardene will step down as the franchise’s head coach and end a decade-long association with the five-time IPL champions. The team will start preparing for the 2027 season on 17 October 2026.
The former Sri Lankan skipper delivered an emotional farewell message to the players, coaching staff, supporters, and Mumbai Indians management and thanked them for their trust and support. Jayawardene also expressed gratitude to team owners Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their kindness and support and said he will always hold the franchise very close to his heart.
Mahela Jayawardene’s Emotional Message to the MI Family
Jayawardene reflected on the memorable moments he had with Mumbai Indians over the years in his farewell statement.
He called the franchise a special part of his journey and thanked the players, coaching team, and fans for making his time with the team memorable. He also highlighted the challenges the team had overcome and the success they had built together.
Jayawardene specifically thanked Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their trust, support, and friendship. He said he was leaving with immense pride in the team’s success and wished Mumbai Indians success in the years ahead.
The emotional message ended a significant chapter in the coach’s life and the franchise’s one.
Three IPL Titles During His Coaching Tenure
Jayawardene came to Mumbai Indians for the first time as head coach in 2017. Under his leadership, the team won IPL titles in 2017, 2019, and 2020 and is also currently one of the team’s most successful coaches.
His first job as Head Coach lasted from 2017 to 2022. In 2022 he moved into the Global Head of Performance role that covers the entire Mumbai Indians team and oversees T20 leagues.
Ahead of coaching, he returned in 2024 and took his experiences and coaching philosophy back to the IPL side.
Besides the senior men’s team, his work throughout the Mumbai Indians organisation also coincided with title-winning campaigns by Mumbai Indians Women, MI New York, and MI Emirates.
𝗠𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗶 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲 Mahela has been much more than a Head Coach to Mumbai Indians. Under his leadership as Head Coach, Mumbai Indians won 3 IPL titles. Read more 👉 https://t.co/GvYuetCKW5
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 17, 2026
What Led to the Departure?
The Mumbai Indians’ recent IPL campaigns have been more difficult than the early successful seasons under Jayawardene. They finished fourth in 2025 and finished the 2026 league campaign close to the bottom of the table.
The decision to part ways is in line with the direction of the franchise as it gears up for the next IPL season. But the team did not give the reasons behind the departure beyond the fact that Jayawardene was stepping down.
The franchise has acknowledged his contribution and expressed gratitude for his leadership and commitment.
What Lies Ahead for Mumbai Indians?
Jayawardene’s departure will leave Mumbai Indians with a new chapter to enter in the IPL 2027. The team will be waiting for the next coach and what plans will be made for the next season.
Jayawardene’s departure ends a coaching career that has produced three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians. During his time with the franchise, he has built relationships with the team, as his farewell message states.
Though he has ended his association with Mumbai Indians, his contribution to Mumbai Indians’ championship history will be a huge part of the team’s legacy.
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