Kieron Pollard will take over as Mumbai Indians' head coach ahead of IPL 2027, with the five-time champions announcing his appointment on Saturday.
The former West Indies cricketer has been promoted to the role after former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene stepped down as Mumbai Indians’ head coach last week. "It is a honour to take on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians. 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," Pollard said in an MI statement.
Pollard represented only one IPL franchise throughout his playing career, turning out for Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2022. He featured in 189 matches, scoring 3,412 runs and taking 69 wickets. He was also part of all five of MI’s title-winning campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Following his retirement from the IPL after the 2022 season, Pollard took over as the franchise’s batting coach.
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Reflecting on his long association with the franchise, Pollard added, "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." "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."
Pollard will take charge as Mumbai Indians look to return to winning ways after an inconsistent run in recent seasons. Although they reached the playoffs in 2023 and 2025, MI finished 10th in 2024 and ninth in 2026.
"Pollard's appointment reflects Mumbai Indians' commitment to building on the team's legacy while continuing to develop talent, strengthen its culture and pursue excellence on and off the field," Mumbai Indians said in the statement. "His leadership will be rooted in the experience of having been part of MI's most successful years, alongside the ambition to shape the team's next chapter," the franchise added.