- Mumbai Indians announce coaching staff for IPL 2027, returns of Uthpa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni. Robin Uthpa joins as batting coach and Mitchell McClenaghan returns as bowling coach as Mumbai Indians complete their support squad for IPL 2027.
- Robin Uthpa and Mitchell McClenaghan.
- (Photo Source: IPL/Mumbai Indians) Mumbai Indians have unveiled a completely revamped coaching setup for IPL 2027.
Mumbai Indians announce coaching staff for IPL 2027, returns of Uthpa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni. Robin Uthpa joins as batting coach and Mitchell McClenaghan returns as bowling coach as Mumbai Indians complete their support squad for IPL 2027.
Robin Uthpa and Mitchell McClenaghan. (Photo Source: IPL/Mumbai Indians) Mumbai Indians have unveiled a completely revamped coaching setup for IPL 2027. Former India wicket-keeper-batsman Robin Uthpa has been pointed batting coach, while New Zealand left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan has been brought back to the franchise as bowling coach, directly replacing Lasith Malinga in the role.
T Dilip has been confirmed as the defensive coach and Dhawal Kulkarni has been pointed as the bowling development coach. The move comes after West Indies and Michigan star Kieron Pollard, who had spent four years as batting coach, was pointed head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene at the top of the support structure. The departures that paved the way for these points were confirmed two days earlier, on October 28, 2026.
On this day, Mumbai Indians parted ways with Malinga, spin bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and defensive coach Carl Hopkinson. The five-time IPL champion has now put together a new support team ahead of the new campaign. “Under Pollard’s leadership, the coaching group will work closely together to strengthen player development, build a high-performing environment and prepare the team for the challenges of the upcoming season,” the franchise said in an official statement.
Why are Uthpa and McClenaghan important additions for Mumbai Indians? This is Uthpa’s first major coaching assignment in the IPL. His association with the franchise dates back to its inaugural edition in 2008 when he played for the Mumbai Indians as a player, which gave him an understanding of the culture the franchise has built over nearly two decades.
McClenaghan was part of Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2020, during which time he featured in four of the club’s title-winning campaigns. This familiarity with the demands of the franchise and the dressing room environment strengthens his credentials as he takes over the bowling coach position vacated by Malinga. Kulkarni adds another layer of institutional knowledge to the group.
The former Mumbai seamer has played for the franchise on multiple occasions and was a member of the title-winning teams in 2013 and 2020, making him an ideal candidate for the role of bowling development coach. What is the context of the departures that preceded these scores? Mhambrey’s departure was notable given the length and depth of his association with the club.
He was initially linked to the Mumbai Indians between 2010 and 2017, then returned to the squad in 2024 before leaving the team again on October 28, 2026, along with Malinga and Hopkinson. Malinga’s contribution to the franchise throughout his playing career was significant. The Sri Lankan quick played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ four IPL title triumphs and was also part of the team that won the Champions League T20 in 2011, a trophy that underlines the extent of his legacy at the club.
With Pollard’s move to head coach, the upheaval has come full circle. He succeeds Jayawardene, who led the franchise’s coaching operations before his resignation. With Uthpa’s connection dating to 2008, McClenaghan’s stints between 2015 and 2020, and Kulkarni’s title-winning pearances in 2013 and 2020 all woven into the new setup, Mumbai Indians have leaned heavily on familiarity as they prepare for IPL 2027.
