Mumbai Indians have announced a new coaching staff for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season with three former players returning as coaches. Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni will be back at the five-time IPL champions as part of their new support staff.
The announcement was made on October 30, 2026 as Mumbai Indians continued to restructure their coaching setup under newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard. The franchise has also hired former India fielding coach T. Dilip to strengthen its coaching department.
Robin Uthappa Named Batting Coach
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has been named as Mumbai Indians’ new batting coach. He played for the franchise in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
Uthappa has experience from international cricket and IPL. He was part of the India team that won the first T20 World Cup in 2007 and also had successful IPL campaigns with Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
This will be his first major coaching assignment in the IPL. He will be responsible for improving team batting, helping players make better tactical decisions and mentoring younger batters.
Mitchell McClenaghan Returns as Bowling Coach
Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan will be the bowling coach of Mumbai Indians. He played for them between 2015 and 2020 and was part of four IPL title winning campaigns.
McClenaghan was an important cog in Mumbai’s 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 seasons. His experience of international and franchise cricket will strengthen the bowling department.
He will replace Lasith Malinga who is one of the coaches not part of Mumbai Indians support staff anymore.
Dhawal Kulkarni Gets Development Bowling Role
Former India and Mumbai fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni has been roped in as the development bowling coach. He represented Mumbai Indians in two stints — from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2020 to 2021.
Kulkarni was part of the franchise’s IPL title-winning teams in 2013 and 2020. He will now be responsible for developing bowling talent (young Indian fast bowlers).
His knowledge of domestic cricket and Indian conditions could be useful as Mumbai Indians build their future bowling options.
Mumbai Indians today announced the appointment of Robin Uthappa as Batting Coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as Bowling Coach, T. Dilip as Fielding Coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as Development Bowling Coach for the upcoming IPL 2027 season. They will join Head Coach Kieron Pollard as part of a new-look coaching group that brings together a strong understanding of the Mumbai Indians culture, extensive international experience and a shared commitment to developing talent and delivering success. https://t.co/cA7yI5Khpk
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 30, 2026
T. Dilip Joins as Fielding Coach Under Pollard
Mumbai Indians have also hired T. Dilip as their new fielding coach. He previously worked with the Indian men’s cricket team and was part of its coaching set-up when it won several major international tournaments.
The new appointments will work under Kieron Pollard who was recently named Mumbai Indians head coach for IPL 2027 after Mahela Jayawardene left.
The franchise has also parted ways with bowling coach Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey as well as fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.
Mumbai Indians Prepare for IPL 2027
The coaching changes mark a big reset for Mumbai Indians as they get ready for the next IPL season. The franchise will hope that former players coming back in new roles can bring experience, build team culture and help younger cricketers develop.
Pollard will lead the coaching group and familiar faces join the support staff so Mumbai Indians will be looking to build a stronger squad and challenge for another IPL title in 2027.
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