Kieron Pollard named Mumbai Indians head coach ahead of IPL 2027

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have made a major decision ahead of IPL 2027. Kieron Pollard, a veteran player of the team and its former batting coach, has been appointed head coach.

Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene had been serving as Mumbai Indians head coach, but he gave up the post this year. The team, owned by the Ambani family, then handed the responsibility to Pollard.

Nita Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians, expressed happiness at Pollard's appointment. She said, "Pollard joined MI as a young player at the age of 22 and has been an integral part of this family for a full 16 years." She also expressed confidence that Pollard, with his experience, understanding and commitment, would keep the team together and begin a new chapter of success.

After being given the new responsibility, Pollard also expressed both his happiness and his sense of honour. In a statement, he said, "It is a great honour for me to take on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians is a very big part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan is extremely unique and precious. Having worked as a player and as a coach, I know fully well how important it is to represent Mumbai Indians and how much responsibility comes with wearing this blue jersey."

Pollard's journey with Mumbai Indians has been splendid and highly successful. He is counted among the most successful players in the franchise's history. Mumbai won the IPL title in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and Pollard was part of all five winning teams.

Besides the IPL, Mumbai Indians also won the Champions League T20 in 2011 and 2013, and Pollard played an important role in those wins as well.

Playing for Mumbai Indians, Pollard scored 3,412 runs in 189 IPL matches at a strike rate of 147.32, including 16 half-centuries. With his medium-pace bowling, he also took 69 wickets for the team.

After retiring as a player, Pollard took charge as Mumbai Indians batting coach. With his appointment as head coach, his 16-year association with the team has now reached a new and important turning point.