Pement surprised by Jayawardene's exit from Mumbai Indians, backs Pollard as head coach

Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down as head coach of Mumbai Indians, five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Talk about a new coach has since begun within the team. The team's former fielding coach, James Pamment, has expressed surprise at Jayawardene's decision.

Pamment says former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard is the best option for the head coach's job.

Jayawardene resigned as Mumbai Indians head coach last week, ending his second stint with the team. In his first stint, from 2017 to 2022, Mumbai Indians won the IPL title three times under him.

Pamment worked with Jayawardene at Mumbai Indians for eight years. He said he had not expected the decision. In an exclusive conversation with a news agency, he said he was shocked to see the news of Jayawardene leaving. According to Pamment, Jayawardene was deeply attached to Mumbai Indians. Along with improving the team's performance, he also focused on preparing Indian players so that they could go on to make an important contribution to the country.

Pamment feels Pollard is the best choice for the new head coach. Pollard began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians. After succeeding as a player, he also began his coaching career in the same team, as batting coach.

Pamment said: "To be honest, I don't think anyone other than Kieron Pollard would be right for this responsibility. Many names are being discussed. But if Pollard feels he is ready for the job, I would give it to him."

Pamment is confident that Pollard has a good understanding of how Mumbai Indians work. He has vast experience of playing T20 cricket and in the IPL. According to Pamment, if Pollard has the right team of support staff around him, the players will respect him too and he will be able to take the team forward well.

The deadline for retaining players ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction is approaching. Mumbai Indians therefore face the challenge of appointing a new head coach. The mini auction is reported to be on December 16 in Goa. The team management may therefore have to decide early to prepare for the next season.

Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan, the former India fast bowler who was director of cricket operations at Mumbai Indians alongside Jayawardene, is now playing an important role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It has emerged that he has replaced Stephen Fleming, the long-time head coach.

The coming season will be important for Zaheer Khan too. Pamment said that retaining players and picking the right ones at the auction is a big part of building a team. He also said the new coach must build a team of capable coaches whose methods match his own.