Mumbai Indians (MI) on October 29 announced that they are parting ways with three members of their coaching staff. After sacking head coach Mahela Jayawardene, MI have let go of their bowling coaches Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.
Malinga had replaced Shane Bond as fast-bowling coach after IPL 2023. He served at the franchise for three seasons.
"Lasith Malinga has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians family and one of the most iconic figures in the franchise’s history," the franchise said in a statement.
"From spearheading MI’s bowling attack and playing a defining role in four IPL title triumphs and the 2011 Champions League T20 victory, to returning as a mentor and coach, Lasith’s journey with MI has been truly special. His passion, competitive spirit and commitment to the team have inspired generations of players. His legacy will forever remain an important part of Mumbai Indians."
Mhambrey served at MI for two seasons. He had rejoined MI after his tenure with the Indian team came to an end following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.
"Paras Mhambrey has shared a long and valued association with Mumbai Indians, first from 2010 to 2017 and subsequently returning in 2024. Across both spells, Paras has brought immense experience, dedication and a deep understanding of the MI culture. His contribution to developing and nurturing the team’s bowling talent, along with the relationships he has built over the years, has been greatly appreciated," the MI statement said.
Hopkinson joined the five-time IPL-winning franchise in the 2025 season after James Pamment's departure. Before that, he was England & Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) fielding coach from 2018 to 2024.
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End of an era?
The announcement came days after Kieron Pollard was elevated to the head coach role. Former MI all-rounder Pollard has served as their batting coach after announcing his IPL retirement. He was recently roped in by Jo’burg Super Kings for SA20 2027. But the former West Indies captain has informed the franchise that he won’t be joining them. Super Kings are yet to announce his replacement for the upcoming season.
MI are yet to reveal Pollard’s support staff. The franchise is looking to revamp their coaching staff as they have not won a single IPL title in six years.
Will MI release Pandya?
Reportedly, skipper Hardik Pandya had made up his mind to leave the franchise during the 2026 season. MI have qualified for playoffs just once since roping him back from Gujarat Titans (GT). There have been reports of a divide in the dressing room under Hardik’s leadership.
However, it is unclear whether MI will release Pandya, manage to retain him somehow, or trade him to another franchise. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR), there have been plenty of rumours surrounding where Hardik’s next IPL home will be. But with just over a couple of weeks to the retention deadline, nothing is concrete yet.
Who will captain MI next season?
Sports Tak reported that MI are set to reinstate Rohit Sharma as their captain for the 2027 season. MI have plenty of options in their lineup for the captaincy role. They have the T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav, fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and India’s current T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma. Among overseas players, New Zealand T20I captain Mitchell Santner is another candidate for the leadership role.
What Pollard expects from MI players?
Pollard has already outlined what he wants players to do. He wants them to back their natural instincts rather than over-relying on data.
"I think it's going to be a fight, but no, I think data is important," he said, "When you look at it from this perspective, for the last four years, I've seen a different part of data. Whereas when I was playing, and I can safely tell you, the analyst, I spent more time with him in the last four years than I spent with him in about 13 years of playing. But getting to understand what the data brings, it helps you as an individual, helps prepare you as well.
"But I still believe the natural instinct of the cricketers still needs to be taken into account. So there just needs to be the balance as to how much data and the human part of cricket that is still there because we are still humans playing. It's not a robotic game. And when you put in a length, that's exactly what is there. Different variations have happened from the time the ball is delivered before it gets to the batter."
Pollard is yet to reveal details about Pandya’s future or who will be captaincy MI in the next season. But he intends to manage the players by having one-on-one conversations, giving them clarity on the roles they need to play and contribute to the success of the team.
"I think majority of it is man management," Pollard said of managing his players. "It comes down to conversations, one-on-one conversations. Yes, it comes down to the team talks and the team tactics. But cricket is made up of a group of individuals, who have to play a role in order for the team to win. So, it's not always about what the team is going to do, but what you, as an individual and your role and capacity is going to give, to the team. So, what over the years, what has brought success as well, is the time that you sit and you spend speaking about cricket outside of the formal meetings of a team meeting. That's where you learn majority of your cricket, and I think that's where the work is really, really done."
MI squad ahead of IPL 2027 mini-auction and retention
Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rohit Sharma, Sherfane Rutherford, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Danish Malewar, Mahipal Lomror, Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Krish Bhagat, Ruchit Ahir, Atharva Ankolekar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammed Izhar, Ashwani Kumar, Keshav Maharaj, Mayank Markande, Raghu Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Mitchell Santner, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton.