(ESPN) Kieron Pollard has been “elevated” to the position of head coach at Mumbai Indians (MI), replacing Mahela Jayawardene, who the franchise parted ways with earlier this month.
“It is a 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, now 39, said in an MI statement.
MI is the only team Pollard played for in the IPL, from 2010 to 2022, during which he turned out in 189 games, scoring 3412 runs and picking up 69 wickets. He was part of the squad in each of the five IPL-winning seasons: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After the 2022 season, when MI became the first team to successfully defend the IPL title, he took over as the team’s batting coach.
“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,” Pollard said. “I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team’s legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate.”
MI have not been as dominant over the past few seasons as they were when they became one of the winningest teams in the IPL, but still made the playoffs in 2023 and 2025. But in 2024 and 2026, they finished tenth and ninth, respectively.
“Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family,” MI co-owner Nita Ambani said. “As a player, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach, he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep understanding of the game.
“We are delighted to see him take on this new responsibility as head coach. Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan. I am confident that he will bring the same commitment, belief and determination to this role. I wish him every success as he leads the team into its next chapter.”
Pollard’s first task in the new position will be to decide on the franchise’s retention list by the November 15 deadline. The IPL 2027 auction is expected to take place around a month after that in Goa.
Pollard is part of the MI family in other T20 leagues too. He is the head coach of MI London in the Hundred and has played for MI New York in Major League Cricket (2023-2026), MI Cape Town in the SA20 (2024 and 2025-26) and MI Emirates in the ILT20 (2023 to 2025-26). However, in the upcoming season of the SA20, he will turn out for Joburg Super Kings, who picked up Pollard at the auction earlier this month with no rival bid from MI CT.
In the CPL, where MI don’t have a team, Pollard has been turning out for his home team Trinbago Knight Riders since 2019.
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