File picture of Kieron Pollard who was appointed as Mumbai Indians’ head coach changing Mahela Jayawardene.
| Photograph Credit score: The Hindu
Mumbai Indians’ seek for a approach out of their longest title drought within the Indian Premier League has led the franchise to look inside. Kieron Pollard, who has been an integral a part of its five-title journey, has been elevated to move coach forward of the following version.
Pollard replaces Mahela Jayawardene, whose two-season second stint ended with a disappointing IPL 2026 marketing campaign for the group.
MI has gone six seasons with out profitable the IPL, its longest such streak, with its final of the 5 titles title coming in 2020. The franchise administration, The Hindu understands, had toyed with the thought of overhauling the help employees however ultimately determined to stay with continuity by way of concepts, handing Pollard the reins after two seasons as batting coach.
The transfer extends one of the crucial enduring associations within the IPL. Pollard was acquired by MI on the public sale forward of the 2010 season after his exploits within the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 made him one of the crucial sought-after gamers within the format. He has remained loyal to the Mumbai franchise throughout the IPL ecosystem, first as a participant after which as a part of its teaching set-up.
Pollard’s familiarity with the franchise’s tradition and his rapport with key figures within the dressing room are more likely to be central to the choice. He shares an in depth relationship with Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, two energetic cricketers who’ve led MI in numerous phases with contrasting outcomes.
With Rohit doubtlessly set to have a better say within the group’s functioning, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how Pollard’s elevation influences the franchise’s plans for the following season, significantly amid hypothesis over the potential launch of a few of its high-profile gamers.
“Polly is aware of what it means to put on the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan,” MI co-owner Nita M. Ambani mentioned. “I’m assured that he’ll carry the identical dedication, perception and willpower to this function.”
Pollard, in the meantime, described the appointment as an honour, underlining his bond with the franchise and its supporters.
“Having skilled this journey as a participant after which as a coach, I perceive what Mumbai Indians stands for and the duty that comes with representing the Blue and Gold,” he mentioned.
Printed – October 24, 2026 10:51 am IST
