Mahela Jayawardene (left) and Hardik Pandya
Mumbai: Mumbai Indians have parted ways with head coach Mahela Jayawardene after another disappointing IPL campaign and are on the lookout for a replacement ahead of the 2027 season. Jayawardene, 49, was first appointed MI head coach ahead of IPL 2017 and held the position until 2022, overseeing three of the franchise’s five title-winning campaigns, in 2017, 2019 and 2020. After a disappointing 2024 season under Mark Boucher, Jayawardene returned as head coach ahead of IPL 2025, guiding the team to Qualifier 2. However, MI struggled in 2026, finishing ninth among 10 teams. Jayawardene, who captained Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup final, expressed gratitude to the franchise and its owners.
He was subsequently elevated to global head of performance as MI expanded into overseas leagues, including SA20, ILT20 and MLC. MI’s coaching staff currently includes West Indies T20 batting great Kieron Pollard as assistant coach and former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey as bowling coach. Jayawardene’s exit also comes amid scrutiny of captain Hardik Pandya following another underwhelming campaign.