Former MI player Kieron Pollard set to join the franchise as Head coach for IPL 2027 (Source: AFP)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into more than just a competition between bat and ball. It has also become a platform where former players can take on leadership roles and shape the future of franchises.
Interestingly, some cricketers have experienced both sides of the dugout, first representing a team on the field and later guiding it as coaches.
Along the same lines, very recently, former MI allrounder Kieron Pollard has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2027 season, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene.
Pollard has spent his entire IPL career and coaching transition exclusively with the Mumbai franchise.
This article highlights a few players who played and coached the same team in the Indian Premier League.
Shane Warne - Rajasthan Royals
Shane Warne became Rajasthan Royals’ first captain and player-coach in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Despite leading an inexperienced squad without many established Indian stars, he guided the franchise to a memorable title triumph, defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final.
Warne continued as captain until 2011, finishing his four-season playing stint with 57 wickets in 55 matches. He later returned as the Royals’ mentor in 2018 and 2020, helping guide the franchise’s young players.
Shaun Pollock - Mumbai Indians
Former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock was part of Mumbai Indians' squad during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He transitioned into a coaching role the following year, taking charge as head coach for the 2009 season.
Pollock later returned to the franchise as its mentor and bowling coach in 2011, continuing to share his international experience with the team's players. His association with MI also included mentoring young fast bowlers and helping them develop their skills.
Stephen Fleming - Chennai Super Kings
Stephen Fleming played for Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before becoming their head coach. Across his long association with the franchise, he guided CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns.
The team also reached 10 IPL finals and made the playoffs 12 times under his guidance before the franchise parted ways with him in July 2026.
Daniel Vettori - Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Daniel Vettori coached Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2014 to 2018 after representing the franchise as a player and captain in 2011 and 2012.
As coach, his most successful campaign came in 2016, when RCB finished runners-up.
During his tenure, he also worked with emerging Indian talents such as KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal, helping shape the team's bowling and batting resources.
Rahul Dravid - Rajasthan Royals
Rahul Dravid has shared a long association with Rajasthan Royals, serving as a player, captain, mentor and head coach. He joined in 2011 and captained the side until 2013. Later, he joined the team as a mentor until 2015.
Returning as head coach after IPL 2024, he worked with youngsters including Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag before leaving ahead of IPL 2026.
Jacques Kallis - Kolkata Knight Riders
Jacques Kallis represented Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011 to 2014, scoring 409 runs and taking 35 wickets in 28 matches for the franchise. After retiring, he joined KKR as a mentor and batting consultant in 2015.
The following year, Kallis was appointed head coach, replacing Trevor Bayliss. He continued in the role until 2019, guiding KKR to the playoffs in 2016 and 2017.
Adam Gilchrist - Punjab Kings
Adam Gilchrist represented Kings XI Punjab (renamed to Punjab Kings) from 2011 to 2013 after leading Deccan Chargers to the IPL title in 2009. In 2012, he took on the dual responsibility of captain and head coach, becoming one of the few players to manage both roles simultaneously.
He also mentored young players and oversaw the team's cricketing operations. Gilchrist stepped away from playing after the 2012 season but remained open to continuing in a coaching capacity.
Ricky Ponting - Mumbai Indians
Ricky Ponting joined Mumbai Indians as a player in 2013 and captained the side during the first half of the season before stepping down, with Rohit Sharma taking over. He returned to the franchise in December 2014 as head coach.
His coaching stint began with a title-winning campaign in 2015, when MI bounced back from four consecutive defeats to lift their second IPL trophy. Ponting also played a role in nurturing young talents such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
Brendon McCullum - Kolkata Knight Riders
Brendon McCullum made IPL history with an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against RCB in the inaugural match in 2008. He returned to the franchise as head coach from 2020 to 2022.
Under his aggressive coaching approach, KKR reached the IPL final in 2021, although their overall performances during his tenure remained inconsistent.
Virender Sehwag - Punjab Kings
Virender Sehwag played two IPL seasons for Kings XI Punjab (2014–15), scoring 554 runs in 25 matches. His standout performance was a 122 off 58 balls against Chennai Super Kings in 2014.
After retiring in 2015, he joined KXIP as a mentor in 2016 and became head of cricket operations in 2017. He oversaw team strategy and auctions, with Punjab finishing fifth in 2017.
Notably, while Sehwag was not the designated head coach of the KXIP, he was given the free hand to make decisions and coach the team.
Kieron Pollard - Mumbai Indians
Kieron Pollard spent his entire IPL playing career with Mumbai Indians, representing the franchise for 13 seasons from 2010 to 2022. He featured in 189 matches, scoring 3,412 runs and taking 69 wickets while winning five IPL titles.
Following his retirement as a player after the 2022 season, Pollard transitioned into coaching and took over as MI's batting coach in 2023.
Moreover, on October 24, 2026, Mumbai Indians announced the appointment of Kieron Pollard as their head coach for the IPL 2027, further extending one of the most enduring player-to-coach associations in cricket.
