Facebook Pixel Mahela Jayawardene Steps Down As Mumbai Indians' Head Coach Before IPL 2027 | CREX
All
Latest
Cricket News
Cricket Records
Cricket Analysis
Cricket Prediction
Cricket Reactions
Cricket Listicles
Cricket Stories
  • Home
  • Cricket News
  • Mahela Jayawardene Steps Down As Mumbai Indians Head Coach Before Ipl 2027

Mahela Jayawardene Steps Down As Mumbai Indians' Head Coach Before IPL 2027

Abhinav Tyagi

Mahela Jayawardene steps down as MI head coach - (Source: AFP)Mahela Jayawardene steps down as MI head coach - (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, Mumbai Indians have parted ways with Mahela Jayawardene ahead of IPL 2027. The five-time IPL winners took to social media to bid farewell to their 3-time title winning coach.

Mumbai Indians wants a fresh perspective within the group, which is why they parted ways with Jayawardene and are now looking for a new head coach. MI’s ownership group sat down with Mahela, and both parties mutually agreed for a new head coach for IPL 2027.

“Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now. The players, coaching team, the incredible support of the #OneFamily and above all the fans have made this an experience I will always treasure," Mahela remarked.

Mumbai Indians Shortlists Key Figures to Replace Mahela Jayawardene

2020 was the last time Mumbai Indians lifted the title, and it has been six years since their last successful run. In IPL 2026, the Hardik Pandya-led side finished 9th, which is why the owners are actively hunting for a new head coach. 

A report from Times of India stated that Mumbai Indians have shortlisted a couple of top names to replace Mahela Jayawardene, and the interview is scheduled in the coming week. It also marks the end of Mahela’s long-term association with MI, because he is unlikely to stay with the MI family in a different capacity like last time.

Mahela Jayawardene's Successful Tenure With Mumbai Indians

Mahela joined Mumbai Indians in 2017 when the Men in Blue and Gold had just 2 titles. The Sri Lanka legend led MI to their 3rd title in his first season as head coach. Mumbai enjoyed their dream run under Mahela as they won IPL trophy in 2019 and 2020 with Rohit Sharma as captain. 

Mahela Jayawardene ended his 1st stint with MI in 2022 when he was promoted as Global Head of Performance, overseeing the expansion of the MI franchise across global leagues. However, MI failed to replicate their past heroics in his absence, which led to his second stint as Mumbai Indians head coach in 2024.

However, he failed to replicate his past charm and MI struggled for glory in his 2nd stint.