Mahela Jayawardene is the most successful head coach in Mumbai Indians’ history (AFP)
Mumbai Indians (MI) have had several experienced coaches lead the franchise since the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2008.
From Lalchand Rajput and Shaun Pollock in the early years to Mahela Jayawardene’s three-title-winning tenure, the franchise has witnessed different coaching eras while establishing itself as one of the most successful teams in the competition.
However, Jayawardene’s second stint ended after the team’s disappointing campaigns in IPL 2025 and 2026. The Sri Lankan coach stepped down ahead of IPL 2027, leaving the five-time champions searching for a new head coach.
Here is a look at all the Mumbai Indians head coaches from 2008 to 2026, their tenures and their achievements with the franchise.
1. Lalchand Rajput (2008)
Lalchand Rajput was Mumbai Indians’ first head coach during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Rajput laid the foundations for the franchise during its first season.
With Sachin Tendulkar leading the team on the field, MI finished fifth in the points table and narrowly missed out on a playoff place.
2. Shaun Pollock (2009)
Former South African captain Shaun Pollock took over as Mumbai Indians’ head coach in 2009 after retiring from international cricket.
MI struggled during the season and finished seventh. Although his tenure lasted only one year, Pollock was among the first international cricket stars to take up a coaching role with the franchise.
3. Robin Singh (2010–2012)
Robin Singh became Mumbai Indians’ head coach in 2010 and remained in the role until 2012.
Under his guidance, MI reached their first IPL final in 2010 but lost to Chennai Super Kings. The team also reached the playoffs in subsequent seasons, establishing itself as a consistent contender for the title.
4. John Wright (2013–2014)
Former New Zealand coach John Wright took charge of Mumbai Indians in 2013. His first season proved historic as MI won their maiden IPL title, defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final.
Mumbai also won the 2013 Champions League Twenty20 under his tenure, making it a memorable period for the franchise.
5. Ricky Ponting (2015–2016)
One of the most successful cricket captains in history, Ricky Ponting became Mumbai Indians’ head coach in 2015.
That season, MI recovered from a difficult start to the season and defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final to secure their second IPL title. The team reached the playoffs again in 2016, while Ponting’s association with the franchise continued to influence its coaching setup.
6. Mahela Jayawardene (2017–2022)
Mahela Jayawardene took over in 2017 and became the most successful head coach in Mumbai Indians’ history.
During his first stint, MI won three IPL titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020. In 2022, he moved into a broader leadership role overseeing the franchise’s global cricket operations and development across multiple leagues.
7. Mark Boucher (2023–2024)
Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher replaced Jayawardene ahead of IPL 2023. Mumbai Indians reached Qualifier 2 in his first season but finished at the bottom of the table in 2024.
Following the disappointing 2024 campaign, the franchise brought Jayawardene back as head coach ahead of IPL 2025.
8. Mahela Jayawardene (2025–2026)
Jayawardene returned as Mumbai Indians’ head coach in 2025 after serving as the franchise’s Global Head of Performance.
MI reached Qualifier 2 that season but struggled in 2026, finishing ninth after winning just four of 14 league matches. Following the team’s poor run, Jayawardene stepped down ahead of IPL 2027.
