Kolkata : 5 times IPL champion Mumbai Indians have announced star studded coaching setup which mostly comprises their former players like Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan and so on. T. Dilip – the former Indian fielding coach is also added.
While Uthappa has been appointed as Batting coach, Mitchell has replaced legend Lasith Malinga as Bowling coach. T. Dilip is the fielding coach. Former India, Mumbai and Mumbai Indians experienced pacer Dhawal Kulkarni has been named development bowling coach.
Earlier, former Mumbai Indians and West Indies legend Kieron Pollard also replaced Mahela Jayawardane as Head coach and this whole star studded setup will work under him. The whole coaching revamp is in desperate attempt to bring back past glory for the side that has struggled to win IPL since 2021.
The appointments mark a homecoming for Uthappa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni, all of whom have previously turned out for the franchise.
Pollard, meanwhile, brings a 16-year association with MI, adding further continuity to a coaching group that combines familiarity with international experience. Uthappa, a member of India’s victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, returns to MI having represented the franchise in 2008. With considerable experience in Indian and franchise cricket, he will be tasked with strengthening the team’s batting unit, working on tactical decision-making and helping players adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket.
McClenaghan, meanwhile, reunites with the franchise where he enjoyed considerable success as a player.
The New Zealand left-arm pacer was part of four IPL title-winning campaigns with MI in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, having represented the team between 2015 and 2020. Known for his aggressive approach and competitive temperament, he will bring his experience of T20 cricket to the bowling department.
Dilip joins the MI coaching set-up after a successful stint with the Indian men’s team. He was part of the national team’s coaching setup during India’s triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Highly regarded for his work in the fielding department, Dilip will bring an emphasis on athleticism, preparation and consistency to MI’s fielding unit.
Kulkarni, another familiar face in Mumbai cricket, returns to the franchise as development bowling coach. A two-time IPL champion with MI, having been part of their title-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020, the former pacer represented the franchise across two stints – 2008-2013 and 2020-21.With extensive experience of Indian conditions and a strong association with Mumbai cricket, Kulkarni will focus on nurturing the franchise’s bowling talent, particularly its young Indian fast bowlers. His role will extend beyond the IPL season, with year-round involvement in the performance programme to ensure continuity in player development and strengthen the talent pool.
Before IPL, first big challenge of Mumbai Indians and their newly appointed coaching panel will be making a strong squad in upcoming auction at Goa on December 16. This will give them a chance to build a team that forms a good balance for long term.
