Mumbai Indians have promoted Kieron Pollard to head coach ahead of IPL 2027, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, with whom the franchise parted ways earlier this month, ESPNcricinfo reported.
"It is an honour to take on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians," Pollard, 39, said in a statement from the team. "MI has been a huge part of my life and career."
A one-franchise man
Pollard played only for MI in the IPL, from 2010 to 2022, scoring 3,412 runs and taking 69 wickets in 189 matches. He was in the squad for all five of their title wins, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and became the team's batting coach after the 2022 season.
MI co-owner Nita Ambani said Pollard had joined as a 22-year-old and become "an integral part of our family" over 16 years. "Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey," she said.
First task: the retention list
Pollard's first decision will be which players MI keep, with the retention deadline on November 15. The IPL 2027 auction is expected about a month later in Goa.
He takes over a side that has slipped from its best years. MI reached the playoffs in 2023 and 2025, but finished tenth in 2024 and ninth in 2026.
Across the MI family
Pollard already coaches MI London in the Hundred, and has played for MI New York, MI Cape Town and MI Emirates in other T20 leagues. In the coming SA20 season, though, he will play for Joburg Super Kings, who bought him at auction this month with no rival bid from MI Cape Town.