Malinga, Mhambrey out as Mumbai Indians announces major coaching staff changes ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians has announced that Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson will leave their respective roles in the men’s team coaching setup.

Malinga, one of MI’s most iconic figures, spearheaded its bowling attack during four IPL title-winning campaigns and the 2011 Champions League T20 triumph. He later returned as a mentor and coach.

Mhambrey served MI from 2010 to 2017 before returning in 2024. The former India bowling coach played a key role in nurturing the franchise’s bowling talent, bringing experience and an understanding of its culture across his two stints.

Hopkinson joined MI ahead of the 2025 season, having previously worked with the England men’s team. He contributed his international experience and expertise towards improving the side’s fielding standards.

Earlier this month, Mumbai Indians parted ways with head coach Mahela Jayawardene ahead of the 2027 IPL auction. In his second stint, Jayawardene oversaw a fourth-place finish in 2025, followed by a ninth-place finish in 2026. He had previously led MI to three IPL titles between 2017 and 2022.

Kieron Pollard has since been elevated from batting coach to head coach. The former West Indies all-rounder was part of the MI squad in all five of its IPL title-winning campaigns, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

Published on Oct 29, 2026