Mumbai Indians have announced their decision to part ways with head coach Mahela Jayawardene ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. The franchise confirmed the development on Saturday, October 17, bringing an end to a coaching association that saw the five-time champions win three IPL titles under the former Sri Lanka captain.
Jayawardene guided Mumbai Indians to IPL titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020 during his first stint as head coach. He initially took charge of the team in 2017 and continued in the role until the 2022 season before moving to the position of Global Head of Performance. He returned as head coach ahead of IPL 2025, replacing Mark Boucher after Mumbai Indians endured a disappointing 2024 campaign. Under Jayawardene, the team reached Qualifier 2 in 2025 but struggled in the following season, finishing ninth in the IPL 2026 standings with just four wins.
Reports suggest that the franchise has shortlisted candidates for the position, with interviews expected to take place in the coming week. The franchise will look to make the right appointment as it prepares for the next IPL season, with the retention deadline approaching in mid-November. Now with Jayawardene’s departure, Mumbai Indians will need to appoint a new head coach ahead of IPL 2027.
