IPL 2027: Kieron Pollard elevated to head coach of Mumbai Indians

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) have elevated Kieron Pollard to the head coach role for the upcoming IPL 2027. Pollard replaces Mahela Jayawardene at the helm, with whom MI recently parted ways.

Kieron Pollard had an illustrious IPL career with MI being the only franchise he played for throughout his career. He represented MI in 189 games from 2010 to 2022, scoring 3412 runs and picking up 69 wickets.

"It is an honour to take on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians. MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me," Pollard said in a media release.

"Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold,” he added.

Pollard was part of each of their five IPL triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After the 2022 season, he took over as the team's batting coach. 

Pollard’s first responsibility in his new role will be to finalise the franchise’s retention list ahead of the November 15 deadline. The IPL 2027 auction is expected to be held in Goa, a month later in December.

Pollard's association with MI

Pollard remains closely associated with the MI franchise across various T20 leagues. He serves as head coach of MI London in The Hundred and represented MI New York in Major League Cricket from 2023 to 2026, MI Cape Town in the SA20 in 2024 and 2025-26, and MI Emirates in the ILT20 from 2023 to 2025-26.

However, he will feature for Joburg Super Kings in the upcoming SA20 season after being signed by the franchise at this month’s auction, with MI Cape Town opting not to make a rival bid.