MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians have appointed former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as their new head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, elevating him from his role as the franchise’s batting coach.
Pollard succeeds Mahela Jayawardene, who parted ways with the five-time IPL champions last weekend. The appointment marks the 39-year-old’s first head coaching assignment after years of association with the Mumbai Indians as a player and member of the coaching staff.
Pollard has been a key figure in the Mumbai Indians setup since joining the franchise ahead of the 2010 IPL season. He was part of all five of the team’s title-winning campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He also featured in Mumbai’s Champions League T20 triumphs in 2011 and 2013.
Following his retirement from the IPL as a player ahead of the 2023 season, Pollard took over as Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, a position he held for the last four IPL seasons. His promotion to head coach represents another significant milestone in his long-standing relationship with the franchise.
During his IPL career, Pollard played 189 matches, scoring 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 and claiming 69 wickets. His experience as a powerful middle-order batter and an effective all-rounder has made him one of the most recognisable figures in the Mumbai Indians’ history.
“It is an honour to take on the role of Head Coach of Mumbai Indians,” Pollard said in a statement.
“MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me. Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold,” he added.
Pollard also expressed his desire to build on the franchise’s legacy, develop emerging talent and deliver more memorable moments for the team’s supporters.
“I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate,” he said.
Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani welcomed Pollard’s elevation, highlighting his longstanding contribution to the franchise over the past 16 years.
“Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family. As a player, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach, he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep understanding of the game,” Ambani said.
She added that Pollard understood the expectations associated with representing Mumbai Indians and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team into its next chapter.
Beyond the IPL, Pollard has maintained close ties with Mumbai Indians’ global franchise network, representing its teams in the Major League Cricket (MLC), ILT20 and SA20 competitions.
The West Indian remains active in franchise cricket, having represented MI New York in the MLC and Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) this year. Earlier this month, he was signed by Joburg Super Kings at the SA20 player auction for the 2027 season.
Pollard’s immediate priority as Mumbai Indians head coach will be to finalise the team’s retention list ahead of the IPL 2027 player auction, scheduled to take place in Goa in December.
With one of the franchise’s most successful former players now taking charge, Mumbai Indians will look to build a competitive squad and return to title-winning form in the upcoming season.
