- Mumbai Indians and head coach Jayawardene part ways “Mumbai Indians have been a very special part of my journey for over a decade,” said Jayawardene. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, all smiling after dismissing Pat Cummins. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, all smiling after dismissing Pat Cummins, India vs Australia, World Cup, Chennai, October 8, 2023 “I think there is room for improvement here,” said substitute Towhid Hridoy after Bangladesh were eliminated from the UAE ODI tri-series. Rashid Khan took four wickets to bowl Bangladesh out for 160, Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, Tri-Series, Sharjah, October 21, 2026. Janith Liyanage celebrates with her teammates after hitting six to win the game on the penultimate over ball. Janith Liyanage celebrates with his teammates after hitting a six off the penultimate ball to win the game, England vs Sri Lanka, Tri-Series, October 22, 2026. Shikhar Mohan will replace KL Rahul, who will only play the first four-day match before joining the Indian ODI team. Shikhar Mohan scores half-century for Jharkhand, Vidarbha vs Jharkhand, Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Day 1, Nagpur, October 25, 2025 SA vs Aus 2nd Test 2026-27 – Pat Cummins – Australia fails to ‘get over the cracks’ after struggling innings Australia must seriously consider changing their batting line-up for the crucial Test in Ce Town. Steven Smith was out and beat Kagiso Rabada, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 5, October 22nd. Mumbai Indians 2026 and their IPL head coach Mahela Jayawardene have parted ways ahead of the 2027 auction.
- Jayawardene has been MI’s head coach for the past two seasons, his second spell in the position with the franchise.
- He previously held this position from 2017 to 2022.
Mumbai Indians and head coach Jayawardene part ways “Mumbai Indians have been a very special part of my journey for over a decade,” said Jayawardene. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, all smiling after dismissing Pat Cummins. The three that matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, all smiling after dismissing Pat Cummins, India vs Australia, World Cup, Chennai, October 8, 2023 “I think there is room for improvement here,” said substitute Towhid Hridoy after Bangladesh were eliminated from the UAE ODI tri-series. Rashid Khan took four wickets to bowl Bangladesh out for 160, Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, Tri-Series, Sharjah, October 21, 2026. Janith Liyanage celebrates with her teammates after hitting six to win the game on the penultimate over ball. Janith Liyanage celebrates with his teammates after hitting a six off the penultimate ball to win the game, England vs Sri Lanka, Tri-Series, October 22, 2026. Shikhar Mohan will replace KL Rahul, who will only play the first four-day match before joining the Indian ODI team. Shikhar Mohan scores half-century for Jharkhand, Vidarbha vs Jharkhand, Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Day 1, Nagpur, October 25, 2025 SA vs Aus 2nd Test 2026-27 – Pat Cummins – Australia fails to ‘get over the cracks’ after struggling innings Australia must seriously consider changing their batting line-up for the crucial Test in Ce Town. Steven Smith was out and beat Kagiso Rabada, South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, Day 5, October 22nd. Mumbai Indians 2026 and their IPL head coach Mahela Jayawardene have parted ways ahead of the 2027 auction.
Jayawardene has been MI’s head coach for the past two seasons, his second spell in the position with the franchise. He previously held this position from 2017 to 2022. “Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade,” Jayawardene said in a statement to MI.
“The players, the coaching staff, the incredible support from #OneFamily and especially the fans made this experience one I will always cherish. Together we have experienced unforgettable moments, overcome challenges and created something we can all be proud of. I want to sincerely thank Mrs.
Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their unwavering trust, support and friendship over the years. I leave with great pride in what we have achieved together and MI will always have a special place in my heart. I wish the team much success for the coming years.” It’s learned that the question of a possible coaching staff change was raised during the review of the 2026 season in August, when the player leadership group and the franchise agreed that they should pursue a change.
It is understood Jayawardene also agreed with the view of hiring young coaches to bring in fresh perspectives. The new coach will have the choice of drawing on the rest of MI’s existing coaching staff, which includes Kieron Pollard (assistant coach) and Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach). Jayawardene’s departure puts the MI team management in a difficult position as ctain Hardik Pandya is also in the spotlight after finishing second from bottom in the IPL 2026.
Soon after MI managed just four wins in 14 games, rumors of a Hardik sw started doing the rounds in reports and on social media. Hardik’s individual performance didn’t inspire much confidence either: he took just four wickets in ten games and scored 206 runs in ten innings, batting at 138.25 and posting a high score of 40. Jayawardene took over as MI head coach ahead of IPL 2025, replacing Mark Boucher.
Jayawardene previously served as Global Head of Performance from 2022 to 2024. In this role, Jayawardene had also overseen MI’s other three franchises: MI Emirates in ILT20, MI New York in MLC and MI Ce Town in SA20. In his first stint as head coach, Jayawardene won three IPL titles.
The second was less successful: MI finished fourth in the table in 2025 before losing in Qualifier 2, and ninth in 2026. “Mahela has made significant contributions to Mumbai Indians over the years,” said MI owner Nita Ambani. “His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game meant a lot to us. On behalf of the entire MI family, I would like to thank Mahela for her immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years.
We will always cherish the journey we shared and the memories we shared. Mahela will always be a part of our #OneFamily and we wish her good luck and success in the journey ahead. “MI must now look for a head coach with less than a month left until the IPL retention deadline – November 15. The IPL auction is expected to take place in Goa about a month later.
MI last won the IPL in 2020 when they became the first team to successfully defend their title. Both trophies were won by Jayawardene.
