Kieron Pollard is the new head coach of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2027 campaign, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene.
The 39-year-old takes over the top coaching role following Jayawardene’s departure after two seasons in his second stint. Pollard previously served as the franchise’s batting coach after retiring as a player in 2022.
Legacy With Mumbai Indians
Pollard’s association with the franchise spans 16 years, beginning when he joined as a player in 2010. Over 13 IPL seasons, he appeared in 211 matches across the IPL and Champions League T20, scoring 3,915 runs at a strike rate of 147 and taking 79 wickets with 103 catches.
Across his 189 IPL matches specifically for MI, he accumulated 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 with an average of 28.67, hitting 16 half-centuries and claiming 69 wickets with a career-best of 4/44. Outside of the IPL, he also represented MI New York in Major League Cricket.
As a player, he contributed to five IPL title victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, alongside two Champions League T20 triumphs.
Revival Challenge in IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians face a period of rebuilding after missing the league stage in four of the last six seasons following their last title win in 2020. In the 2026 season, the team finished ninth with four wins from 14 matches.
Coaching Duties in Abu Dhabi T10
Pollard is head coach and captain of the UAE Bulls in the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10. Describing his dual role, he said that the experience provides direct, practical insight into strategy, player management, and decision-making after losses.
Following four consecutive defeats in the tournament, including a Friday night loss where the team failed to chase a target of 93 against Arabian Aces after reducing their opponents to 29 for six, Pollard addressed the team’s struggles. “It should not have been 90-odd in the first place. And then, secondly, a score of 90-odd should be chased down. As a team and as a collective, I think we didn't do well in order to chase that 90-odd score,” Pollard admitted.
He acknowledged the impact of his long-time West Indies teammate Andre Russell, whose lower-order counterattack helped the Arabian Aces recover and transform the match. Russell’s lower-order counterattack proved vital, and Pollard expressed confidence inside the dressing room regarding the squad’s calibre to turn their fortunes around after winning their opening match and losing the subsequent four.
“The coach has plans, so the coach says to the captain. So, I watch myself in the mirror and say what I'm going to do,” Pollard joked when asked about the challenges of doubling up as captain and head coach of UAE Bulls.