Robin Uthappa joins Mumbai Indians as batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan named bowling coach in major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced a revamped coaching staff of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, appointing Robin Uthappa as batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach. The appointments come after Kieron Pollard was named head coach following Mahela Jayawardene's departure.

The franchise confirmed the latest additions on Friday, October 30, as it continues to reshape its support staff ahead of the next IPL season. The new coaching group features several former Mumbai Indians players, bringing familiarity with the franchise's culture and playing environment.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians overhaul support staff; part ways with Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson ahead of IPL 2027

The announcement follows MI's decision to part ways with bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, as part of the changes to the men's team's coaching set-up.

Robin Uthappa returns to Mumbai Indians as batting coach

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has been appointed batting coach for IPL 2027. A member of India's victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, Uthappa represented Mumbai Indians during the first IPL season in 2008.

He enjoyed a successful career in the league, scoring 4,411 runs in 177 matches. Uthappa also won the Orange Cap in 2014 after scoring 660 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders, helping the franchise clinch the title that season. He later won another IPL title with Chennai Super Kings in 2021.

In his new role, Uthappa will focus on strengthening MI's batting unit, improving tactical decision-making and helping players adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket.

Mitchell McClenaghan named bowling coach

Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan will take charge of Mumbai Indians' bowling department. He represented the franchise between 2015 and 2020 and was part of four IPL-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

McClenaghan's familiarity with the franchise is expected to be valuable as MI prepare their bowling resources for the upcoming season.

T Dilip and Dhawal Kulkarni join coaching group

T Dilip has been appointed fielding coach after his stint with the Indian men's cricket team. He was part of the coaching set-up during India's triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cups, as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, former Mumbai Indians pacer Dhawal Kulkarni has been named development bowling coach. A two-time IPL champion with the franchise, Kulkarni represented MI across two spells, from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2020-21.

In his new position, Kulkarni will focus on developing young Indian bowlers and supporting the franchise's talent development programme.

Kieron Pollard as head coach

Pollard's appointment as head coach marks a significant change in Mumbai Indians' leadership structure. The former West Indies all-rounder has been associated with the franchise for 16 years and will now lead the revamped coaching group.

Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles, with their most recent championship coming in 2020. The franchise will look to build a competitive squad and improve its performances in IPL 2027 under the new coaching set-up.