Pollard in a New Role in the IPL: Caribbean Legend Becomes Head Coach of Mumbai Indians
Kieron Pollard will serve as head coach of the Mumbai Indians in the 2027 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Caribbean all-rounder, associated with the franchise for a long 16 years, is succeeding Mahela Jayawardene in the role.
As a player, Pollard won five IPL titles with Mumbai. He was part of the team's championship campaigns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, establishing himself as one of the central figures of Mumbai's golden era.
After his playing career, Pollard stayed with the same franchise in coaching. He last played in the IPL in the 2022 season, and in 2023 he took over as Mumbai's batting coach.
After working in that position for the past four seasons, he has now received the head coach's job. In this step-by-step rise, his deep knowledge of the franchise's inner culture and its players is seen as a major factor.
Pollard's IPL playing record is enviable. In 189 matches he scored 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32. Alongside that, he took 69 wickets with the ball.
Having contributed greatly to Mumbai's success as a player, Pollard now faces the challenge of bringing the team success as a coach. This is his first assignment as a head coach — an honour, but also a role carrying enormous expectations.
Pollard expressed his delight at the new responsibility. In a statement he said: 'It is an honour for me to take on the role of head coach of the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai is a huge part of my life and career. The bond I have with this team, the players and the Paltan is very precious to me.'
He added: 'From my experience on this journey as a player and later as a coach, I know what the Mumbai Indians represent and what responsibility comes with wearing the team's blue and gold jersey.'
Pollard is eager to uphold the team's tradition and work on developing new talent. In his words: 'I am looking forward to working closely with the players and support staff, taking the team's legacy forward, helping talented players develop, and giving the Paltan many more occasions to celebrate.'
Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani is also delighted to appoint Pollard as head coach. In her view, the long-serving member has made important contributions to the team both as a player and as a coach.
Nita Ambani said: 'Pollard joined the Mumbai Indians at just 22 years of age. Over the past 16 years he has become an inseparable part of our family. As a player he gave us countless memorable moments. And as a coach he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep knowledge of the game.'
All told, in the 2027 season one of Mumbai Indians' own favourite sons will sit in their dugout. Whether Pollard, who tasted titles as a player and batting coach, can sustain that success as head coach is now the centre of interest for IPL fans.
