Hardik Pandya, left, and Mahela Jayawardene (PTI Photo)
Under the former Sri Lanka captain, Mumbai Indians reached the playoffs in 2025 but finished ninth the following year. 2026 was a disappointing season for the giants as they won only four games in a campaign marred by injuries, availability concerns and unrest in the dressing room. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Jayawardene joined the five-time champions on a “two + one” contract in 2024. It now remains to be seen how the Hardik Pandya trade talks unfold in the coming weeks. Franchise sources maintain that the status quo continues but activity can’t be ruled out closer to the retention deadline. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The IPL giants have already identified multiple candidates for the top job and interviews could happen in the coming week to finalise the new head coach. It is unlikely that Jayawardene will stay in the MI set-up in a different capacity and the franchise is clear on taking a different direction before heading into the new cycle. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
There are names on the table and a decision will be taken soon,” says a source tracking developments. Mumbai Indians and head coach Mahela Jayawardene have mutually decided to bring in a fresh perspective starting with the upcoming Indian Premier League season. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that a new head coach is likely to be finalised soon. “Mahela is always part of the one family. It was mutually decided to bring in fresh perspective from the upcoming season and a new coach is likely to be finalised in the coming week.
In a meeting of the top brass earlier this week, both parties reached an agreement.