Mumbai Indians have announced that Mahela Jayawardene will step down as head coach ahead of IPL 2027, bringing an end to a decade-long association with the franchise. The Sri Lankan legend played a significant role in one of the most successful periods in the team’s history, overseeing three of their five IPL title victories.
The franchise confirmed the development on Saturday, October 17. Jayawardene guided Mumbai Indians to championship wins in 2017, 2019 and 2020, establishing himself as an influential figure in the team’s coaching setup.
His departure comes after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, in which Mumbai Indians finished second from bottom. The franchise must now identify a successor ahead of the retention deadline for the 2027 season, scheduled for mid-November.
Jayawardene’s Successful First Stint with MI
Jayawardene was appointed Mumbai Indians’ head coach ahead of IPL 2017 and remained in the role through the 2022 season. During this period, the franchise enjoyed considerable success, winning three IPL titles in four seasons between 2017 and 2020.
His calm approach and tactical understanding helped Mumbai build a winning culture, with the team establishing itself as one of the competition’s most consistent sides.
After the 2022 season, Jayawardene moved into the role of Global Head of Performance as Mumbai Indians expanded their presence across international franchise leagues. The organisation’s teams competed in tournaments including the SA20, ILT20 and Major League Cricket (MLC), creating a broader role for him within the franchise network.
However, following a disappointing 2024 IPL campaign, Jayawardene returned as Mumbai Indians’ head coach ahead of IPL 2025, replacing Mark Boucher.
The team responded by reaching Qualifier 2 in 2025, but the 2026 season proved far less successful. Mumbai finished second from bottom, raising questions about the team’s performance and prompting a fresh phase of change ahead of the next edition.
Nita Ambani Thanks Jayawardene for His Contribution
Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani paid tribute to Jayawardene, acknowledging his leadership, integrity and long-standing commitment to the franchise.
She highlighted the important role he played in shaping the team’s journey and expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Mumbai Indians family for his contribution over the years.
Jayawardene also reflected positively on his association with the franchise, describing his time with Mumbai Indians as a very special part of his professional journey.
He expressed pride in the achievements shared with the team and said he would continue to hold the franchise close to his heart, while wishing the players and organisation success in the future.
ALSO READ-Ramesh Powar Emerges as Favourite to Join BCCI Senior Selection Committee
Mumbai Indians Begin Search for a New Head Coach
Jayawardene’s departure leaves Mumbai Indians with an important decision to make before IPL 2027. The franchise will need to appoint a new head coach while also evaluating its squad and planning for the upcoming season.
With the retention deadline approaching in mid-November, the franchise has a limited window to finalise its coaching structure and prepare for the next player auction cycle.
Finding a successor will be a significant task, given Jayawardene’s achievements and his contribution to Mumbai’s title-winning campaigns. The new coach will be expected to help the team return to contention after a difficult 2026 season.
For Jayawardene, the end of his coaching tenure marks the conclusion of a memorable chapter with one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. His three title-winning campaigns will remain a defining part of Mumbai Indians’ history as the team prepares for a new era ahead of IPL 2027.