Internet Divided As Kieron Pollard's Appointment As MI Head Coach Receives Mixed Reactions

Mayank

Fans react to Kieron Pollard's appointment as MI head coach [Source: X]

The Mumbai Indians have officially confirmed their legend, Kieron Pollard, as the new head coach for IPL 2027 after parting ways with Mahela Jayawardene about a week ago. The decision was triggered after a couple of underwhelming seasons for the five-time champions, wherein they also missed the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Kieron Pollard was previously a part of their coaching setup after his retirement from IPL and knows the MI system inside out. However, the appointment has received some mixed reactions from fans around the country.

Fans divided after Pollard's appointment as MI head coach

Following Mahela Jayawardene's decision to step down from MI's setup, the five-time champions were linked to the likes of Eoin Morgan and even Aaron Finch as their new head coach. Pollard being roped caught people off-guard after he was very recently bought by the Jo'burg Super Kings for the upcoming SA20 season as player.

Additionally, Pollard does not have a lot of experience as head coach, apart from MI London in the Hundred, where the team finished the recent seson with five wins in 8 matches. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since their hat-trick of title from 2023 to 2025.

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Here's how the fans reacted:

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@BellaDon_3z

It is Bound to Happen lol. Nothing to Say. Looking Forward Brother. Just Implement Your Mindset We are Good to Go 🧘‍♂️...

"Mumbai Indians headcoach plays for their rival franchise in another league 😭," said @Im__Arfan.

Vector Shades

@vector_shades

@mipaltan @KieronPollard55 bhai kuch toh sharam kar lo post hundred and cpl. finch aur morgan ke sapne dikhake ye kya? next what? make deepak chahar captain?

Manoj Dimri

@manoj_dimri

Mumbai Indians lacked passion in last few seasons for the reasons well known & there are a very few individuals who will be more passionate than Kieron Pollard when it comes to MI. More changes on the cards & the real MI revamp will start with mega auction. KP 🤝 MI, good call.

"Wow. Another group stage loading 😝," feels @punterakhil.

The Simple Guide

@TheCineGuide

@mipaltan @KieronPollard55 Very mediocre choice by Mumbai Indians. I think they have gone for temporary one year coach and then they will appoint next big coach for next 3 year cycle.

"Thank you Mumbai Indians for honouring legends of MI. Keiron Pollard will definitely sort out all the drama inside the dressing room as a Head Coach. One of the best decision. Not a single MI fan will have a problem with this.Can't tell u ,how happy I am as MI fan," @_itsdonebro expressed his delight.

Parth

@DBWooper

@mipaltan @KieronPollard55 I hope we keep investing in MI grown talent just like Polly in the players' dept as well ❤️🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥

MI's focus shits to captaincy

Earlier in the month, Rohit Sharma was rumoured to return as MI captain according to the reports circulating. However, it was also learnt that the Mumbai Indians management wants to decide on the coaching setup before deciding their next captain.

While Rohit Sharma remains an option for the next season, it will be interesting to see how Pollard deals with the Hardik Pandya situation. It is known that Pandya and Pollard share a very good relationship right from the new head coach's playing days. They not only shared the finishing role for the franchise but also became good friends off the field.