Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced a major overhaul of their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027, with newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard bringing several familiar faces into the franchise’s support team. Former India batter Robin Uthappa has been appointed batting coach, while T Dilip will take charge of fielding.
The franchise has also appointed former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach and ex-India pacer Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach. These appointments follow MI’s decision to part ways with bowling coach Lasith Malinga, assistant coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.
The revamped setup combines international coaching experience with the knowledge of former MI players who understand the franchise’s culture and expectations.
Robin Uthappa Begins His First IPL Coaching Stint
Uthappa’s appointment marks his first coaching role with an IPL franchise. The former India international retired from the league after the 2022 season and will now return to the competition in a different capacity.
He represented Mumbai Indians during the inaugural IPL season in 2008, featuring regularly in the team’s playing XI. However, he later became part of one of the league’s early player trades, moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in exchange for fast bowler Zaheer Khan.
Uthappa brings extensive batting experience from his career in Indian domestic cricket and the IPL. His task will be to help MI’s batters prepare for different match situations, develop consistency and perform under pressure during the tournament.
With Pollard leading the coaching group, Uthappa’s experience as a former international batter could prove valuable in shaping the franchise’s batting approach for the upcoming season.
T Dilip Returns to Franchise Cricket After India Stint
T Dilip has been appointed fielding coach after gaining significant recognition during his time with the Indian men’s team. He held the role for nearly five years and was part of India’s success in several major ICC tournaments.
During his tenure, India won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026, along with the Champions Trophy in 2025. His work focused on improving fielding standards, athleticism and consistency across the team.
Dilip’s appointment also means he will reunite with Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians. The two worked together during Rohit’s tenure as India captain, and their existing professional relationship could help the franchise establish continuity in its preparations.
Fielding has often played a decisive role in close IPL matches, making Dilip’s appointment an important part of MI’s preparations for the 2027 campaign.
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Mitchell McClenaghan Takes Charge of Bowling
Former New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has been appointed MI’s bowling coach. He enjoyed considerable success as a player for the franchise and was an important contributor to several of its IPL title-winning campaigns.
McClenaghan claimed 71 wickets in 56 appearances for Mumbai Indians, playing a key role in their championship victories in 2015, 2017 and 2019. He was also part of the squad during the franchise’s successful title defence in 2020, although he did not feature in a match that season.
His connection with the franchise extends beyond his playing career. McClenaghan previously served as bowling coach for MI Emirates in the ILT20 in 2024, helping the team win the competition.
His familiarity with Mumbai Indians’ environment, combined with his experience as a fast bowler, could help him guide the franchise’s pace attack and develop younger bowlers.
Dhawal Kulkarni Gets a Year-Round Development Role
Dhawal Kulkarni has been appointed development bowling coach, taking on responsibilities that extend beyond the IPL season.
Kulkarni represented Mumbai Indians during the franchise’s early IPL years and was part of the squad that won its maiden title in 2013. He later returned for another stint with the team in 2020 and 2021.
Across his IPL career, Kulkarni played 92 matches, representing Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. He also played 12 ODIs and two T20Is for India between 2014 and 2016.
According to Mumbai Indians, Kulkarni’s year-round role will support the franchise’s performance programme, player development and the strengthening of its talent pool.
The appointment indicates that MI are looking beyond immediate first-team requirements and placing greater emphasis on developing bowling resources for the future.
Retentions and December Auction Among MI’s Immediate Priorities
With the new coaching structure taking shape, Mumbai Indians’ immediate priority will be finalising their player retentions ahead of the December auction.
The franchise will need to assess its existing squad, identify areas requiring reinforcement and determine which players fit the plans of Pollard and his coaching team.
The appointments of Uthappa, Dilip, McClenaghan and Kulkarni suggest a strategy built around a combination of experienced coaches, former players and long-term player development.
However, the effectiveness of the new setup will ultimately be judged by the team’s performances in IPL 2027. The retention decisions and auction strategy will offer the first indication of how Pollard intends to shape Mumbai Indians for the upcoming season.