IPL 2027 - MI Coaching Revamp: Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey Leave Franchise Ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have announced another major shake-up in their coaching setup, with Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson leaving the franchise’s men’s team ahead of IPL 2027. The departures follow Mahela Jayawardene’s exit as head coach and Kieron Pollard’s appointment as his successor.

Mumbai Indians (MI) are continuing their coaching overhaul ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with three members of their support staff set to leave the five-time champions. The latest changes mark a significant transition for the franchise as it looks to reshape its coaching structure following a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.

The franchise confirmed the departures of former Sri Lankan fast-bowling great Lasith Malinga, former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson on Thursday, October 29. MI thanked the trio for their contributions and wished them success in their future endeavors.

Malinga’s departure marks the end of a significant MI chapter

Malinga has been one of the most influential figures in Mumbai Indians’ history, playing a central role in the team’s rise to prominence in the IPL. The Sri Lankan legend spearheaded MI’s bowling attack during four IPL title-winning campaigns and the franchise’s 2011 Champions League T20 triumph.

After retiring from franchise cricket in 2021, Malinga returned to the Mumbai Indians coaching setup as a fast-bowling coach ahead of the 2024 season. He had previously served as a mentor in 2018 before returning to the field as a player in 2019, when MI secured their fourth IPL title.

His departure represents a major change for a franchise that has relied on his experience and expertise in developing fast bowlers, including working within a bowling setup featuring India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Paras Mhambrey ends another stint with Mumbai Indians

Mhambrey also brings considerable experience to the MI setup, having served the franchise across two separate spells. His first association ran from 2010 to 2017, during which Mumbai Indians won the IPL in 2013 and the Champions League T20 in 2011 and 2013.

The former India pacer returned to the franchise ahead of the 2025 season after serving as India’s bowling coach from November 2021 to July 2024. During his time with the national team, he was part of the coaching staff that helped India win the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Mhambrey’s departure, alongside Malinga’s, means Mumbai Indians will need to reconsider their bowling-coaching structure before the next IPL season. The franchise has not announced replacements for either coach in its latest announcement.

Carl Hopkinson also leaves the coaching staff

Fielding coach Carl Hopkinson is the third member of the men’s coaching setup to depart. The former England fielding coach joined Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2025, bringing international experience to the team’s fielding department.

MI acknowledged his contribution to the franchise, making it clear that the changes extend beyond the bowling unit as the team prepares for a new coaching era.

Kieron Pollard takes charge after Mahela Jayawardene’s exit

The latest departures follow another major decision by Mumbai Indians: the appointment of Kieron Pollard as head coach for IPL 2027.

Pollard, a former West Indies all-rounder and one of MI’s most successful players, previously served as the franchise’s batting coach. He succeeds Mahela Jayawardene, who stepped down after the team finished near the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings.

Jayawardene enjoyed considerable success during his first stint as head coach, leading Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles between 2017 and 2022. However, the team struggled to maintain consistent results in recent seasons, finishing second-bottom in 2026 after winning only four of its 14 league matches.

Pollard’s promotion signals a new direction for the franchise, with the former MI star expected to lead preparations for the upcoming season and help rebuild the team’s competitiveness.

What the coaching changes mean for MI ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians now face the task of assembling a revised coaching team under Pollard. The departures of Malinga, Mhambrey and Hopkinson leave important roles to be addressed across the bowling and fielding departments.

The franchise has yet to disclose the reasons behind the three departures or confirm their replacements. Consequently, the full shape of MI’s coaching staff for IPL 2027 remains unclear.

For a team with five IPL titles, the immediate challenge will be to combine continuity with fresh ideas. Pollard’s familiarity with the franchise’s culture and playing group could provide stability, but rebuilding the support staff will be an important part of the transition.

With the next season approaching, Mumbai Indians’ coaching overhaul has become one of the major developments to watch ahead of IPL 2027. The focus will now shift to the appointments that follow and whether the new setup can help the franchise return to consistent title contention.