IPL 2027: Kieron Pollard to take over as Mumbai Indians' head coach ahead

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The Mumbai Indians (MI) has named Kieron Pollard as the new head coach of the franchise ahead of the IPL 2027 on Saturday.

For the past few seasons, he has been working with the Mumbai-based franchise as the batting coach and will take over the role of head coach following the departure of Mahela Jayawardene.

“Mumbai Indians are pleased to announce the elevation of Kieron Pollard to Head Coach, extending one of the most enduring player-to-coach associations in cricket,” MI said in a statement.

“Pollard’s appointment reflects Mumbai Indians’ commitment to building on the team’s legacy while continuing to develop talent, strengthen its culture and pursue excellence on and off the field. His leadership will be rooted in the experience of having been part of MI’s most successful years, alongside the ambition to shape the team’s next chapter,” it added.

The last time the “Men in Blue and Gold” won the IPL title was seven years ago in 2020. Helping the side clinch the title in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league would be a major challenge for the former West Indies’ cricketer.

Kieron Pollard expresses views on the appointment

Expressing views on his appointment, the former cricketer said that the franchise means a great deal to him and he understands the responsibility of representing it.

“MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me,” Pollard said in a statement shared by the franchise,” he said.

“Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold,” added Pollard.

The 39-year-old Pollard, who has played around the world in franchise T20 leagues, represented only MI in the IPL from 2009-10 to his final appearance in the 2022 edition. In fact, he also represented MI New York in the Major League Cricket this year.

In 189 IPL matches for MI, Pollard made 3,412 runs at the strike rate of 147.32 while averaging 28.67, including 16 half-centuries. He also took 69 wickets with a career-best of 4/44.

(With PTI Inputs)

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