Mumbai Indians · 30 Oct 2026
Mumbai Indians Appoint Robin Uthappa as Batting Coach for IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have appointed former India batter Robin Uthappa as their new batting coach ahead of the 2027 IPL season.
Mumbai Indians have appointed former India batter Robin Uthappa as their new batting coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The five-time champions have also announced a revamped coaching group featuring several familiar faces as they prepare for the upcoming campaign under head coach Kieron Pollard.
Uthappa returns to Mumbai Indians 18 years after representing the franchise during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. This appointment will mark his first major coaching stint in the IPL, giving him an opportunity to contribute to the team from the dugout rather than as a player.
Alongside Uthappa, Mumbai Indians have brought back former players Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni, while T. Dilip joins as the fielding coach. The new appointments follow the departures of Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson from the coaching setup.
Robin Uthappa Returns to Mumbai Indians as Batting Coach
Robin Uthappa is set to take on a new responsibility with Mumbai Indians after previously representing the franchise in the first IPL season in 2008.
The former India international brings considerable experience from international cricket and franchise T20 competitions. He was part of India's squad that won the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007 and has played for multiple IPL franchises during his career.
Mumbai Indians highlighted Uthappa's understanding of the modern game, communication skills and ability to guide younger players while announcing his appointment.
His primary responsibility will be to strengthen the team's batting unit, help players improve their decision-making and prepare them for the tactical demands of T20 cricket.
The appointment also gives Uthappa his first major opportunity in an IPL coaching role, as he begins a new chapter with a franchise he previously represented as a player.
Also Read: CSK Appoint Albie Morkel as Assistant Coach for IPL 2027
Mitchell McClenaghan Appointed Bowling Coach
Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has been appointed Mumbai Indians' bowling coach for IPL 2027.
McClenaghan represented the franchise between 2015 and 2020 and was part of four IPL title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Known for his aggressive approach and left-arm pace, he was an important member of Mumbai's bowling attack during several successful seasons.
His return brings familiarity with the franchise's culture and playing environment. McClenaghan will now be responsible for working with the team's bowlers, helping them develop their skills and execute plans in different match situations.
His experience in high-pressure T20 competitions could also help younger fast bowlers understand the demands of the IPL.
T. Dilip Joins Mumbai Indians as Fielding Coach
Mumbai Indians have appointed T. Dilip as their new fielding coach ahead of the 2027 season.
Dilip previously worked with the India men's team and was part of the coaching setup during India's victories at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
He brings experience in fielding preparation, athletic development and maintaining consistency on the field.
Fielding can have a significant impact in T20 cricket, where saving runs, taking difficult catches and producing accurate throws can change the outcome of close matches.
Dilip's appointment is expected to strengthen Mumbai Indians' fielding preparation as the franchise builds its coaching structure for the next season.
Dhawal Kulkarni Returns as Development Bowling Coach
Former India fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni has also returned to Mumbai Indians, taking up the position of development bowling coach.
Kulkarni previously represented the franchise across two spells, from 2008 to 2013 and again between 2020 and 2021. He was part of Mumbai Indians' IPL title-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020.
His experience in domestic and international cricket, particularly in Indian conditions, could prove valuable in developing the franchise's bowling talent.
As development bowling coach, Kulkarni will work on nurturing bowlers and helping them prepare for the demands of professional T20 cricket.
His familiarity with Mumbai cricket and the franchise's environment makes his return another notable part of the revamped coaching group.
Kieron Pollard to Lead Mumbai Indians' New Coaching Group
The coaching appointments come after Mumbai Indians promoted Kieron Pollard to head coach for IPL 2027.
Pollard replaced Mahela Jayawardene, who stepped down from the position following the franchise's decision to make a leadership change.
The former West Indies all-rounder has a long association with Mumbai Indians, having represented the franchise as a player and later worked as its batting coach.
Pollard was part of all five of Mumbai Indians' IPL title-winning campaigns and brings extensive experience in franchise T20 cricket.
With Uthappa taking over the batting coaching responsibilities, Pollard will now lead the wider coaching group and oversee preparations for the upcoming season.
The new structure brings together former Mumbai Indians players and experienced coaches who are familiar with the franchise's expectations and playing environment.
Mumbai Indians Coaching Staff for IPL 2027
The announced coaching group for the upcoming season includes:
Head Coach - Kieron Pollard
Batting Coach - Robin Uthappa
Bowling Coach - Mitchell McClenaghan
Fielding Coach - T. Dilip
Development Bowling Coach - Dhawal Kulkarni
The revised setup follows the departures of Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson from the men's team coaching group.
Mumbai Indians Prepare for a Fresh Start in IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians are entering IPL 2027 with significant changes to their coaching structure. After appointing Pollard as head coach, the franchise has brought in Uthappa, McClenaghan, Dilip and Kulkarni to fill key positions.
The appointments reflect a combination of franchise experience and coaching expertise. Several members of the new group have previously represented Mumbai Indians, while Dilip brings experience from the Indian national team's coaching setup.
The challenge for the new coaching staff will be to work together, support the players and build a consistent approach across batting, bowling and fielding.
With preparations for IPL 2027 underway, Mumbai Indians will look to make the most of their revamped support team and compete strongly in the next season.
Conclusion
Robin Uthappa's appointment as batting coach is one of the major developments in Mumbai Indians' coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2027. Alongside Mitchell McClenaghan, T. Dilip and Dhawal Kulkarni, he will work under head coach Kieron Pollard as the franchise prepares for a new chapter.
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