Mumbai Indians · 29 Oct 2026
Mumbai Indians Release Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson Ahead of IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have continued their coaching staff overhaul ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season
Mumbai Indians have continued their coaching staff overhaul ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, parting ways with former fast-bowling star Lasith Malinga, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.
The decision marks another significant change for the five-time IPL champions as they prepare for a new chapter under head coach Kieron Pollard. The franchise is reshaping its support staff after changes in leadership, with the aim of preparing for the upcoming season.
Malinga has been closely associated with Mumbai Indians as both a player and coach, while Mhambrey brought extensive coaching experience to the team's bowling department. Hopkinson was responsible for fielding, an important component of the team's preparation and match-day performance.
Mumbai Indians Continue Their Coaching Staff Overhaul
The departure of three members of the coaching staff represents a notable change in Mumbai Indians' backroom setup ahead of IPL 2027.
The franchise has been reviewing its coaching structure following a change at the top. Kieron Pollard was appointed head coach after Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from the position, bringing a new leadership approach to the team.
The latest departures suggest that Mumbai Indians are continuing to reassess their support staff as they plan for the next IPL campaign. However, the announcement does not establish the specific reasons behind each departure or confirm the complete composition of the coaching team for 2027.
Mumbai Indians will now look to finalise a support structure that can work with Pollard and help the squad prepare for the challenges of the new season.
Also Read: IPL 2027: BCCI Invites Stakeholders to Plan Landmark 20th Edition
Lasith Malinga's Mumbai Indians Journey Comes to an End
Lasith Malinga has been one of the most recognisable figures in Mumbai Indians' history. The Sri Lankan fast bowler played a major role in the franchise's success during his playing career and later contributed to its bowling setup as a coach.
Known for his distinctive bowling action, accurate yorkers and ability to deliver under pressure, Malinga became an important part of Mumbai's pace attack during the team's title-winning years.
His experience in T20 cricket made him a valuable resource for bowlers learning how to handle the demands of the format, particularly during the death overs.
Malinga's departure from the coaching staff marks the end of another chapter in his association with the franchise. Mumbai Indians will need to determine how to replace his experience and technical knowledge within their revised setup.
Paras Mhambrey Also Parts Ways With Mumbai Indians
Paras Mhambrey has also been released from his coaching role. An experienced Indian cricket coach, Mhambrey has worked across different levels of the game and has experience in developing fast bowlers and managing bowling units.
His work with Mumbai Indians formed part of the franchise's wider coaching structure, where bowling preparation and player development were key responsibilities.
The departure of both Mhambrey and Malinga means Mumbai Indians will have to reassess their bowling-coaching arrangements ahead of IPL 2027.
The franchise's next appointments will be important in establishing how its bowling department will operate under Pollard's leadership. For now, the reported changes do not confirm who will replace the outgoing coaches.
Carl Hopkinson's Exit Adds to the Changes
Fielding coach Carl Hopkinson is the third member of the coaching staff named in the report as having parted ways with Mumbai Indians.
Fielding is a crucial part of T20 cricket, where saving a handful of runs, taking difficult catches and executing direct hits can influence close matches.
Hopkinson's departure adds another position to the list of coaching changes Mumbai Indians must address before the next season. The franchise will need to consider its fielding preparation and support arrangements as it finalises its staff.
No replacement for Hopkinson was confirmed in the report.
Kieron Pollard Begins a New Chapter as Head Coach
The coaching changes come after Mumbai Indians appointed Kieron Pollard as their new head coach on October 24, 2026. Pollard moved into the role after serving as the franchise's batting coach.
A long-serving Mumbai Indians player, Pollard was part of the team's title-winning campaigns and brings extensive experience in franchise T20 cricket. His promotion gives him responsibility for leading the team's coaching operation and working with the players and support staff.
Pollard's familiarity with Mumbai Indians' culture and playing environment will be important as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027. The restructuring of the support staff gives the new head coach an opportunity to shape the setup around his plans.
The appointments and departures made over the coming weeks will help determine the coaching group's final composition.
Also Read: Ayush Mhatre Set for Three-Month Layoff After Hamstring Surgery Ahead of IPL 2027
What the Coaching Changes Mean for Mumbai Indians Ahead of IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles, but their recent campaigns have increased the importance of planning effectively for the next season.
Changes to the coaching staff can affect how players prepare, how bowling and fielding units are developed, and how the head coach communicates tactical plans. Maintaining continuity will be important even as the franchise introduces a revised structure.
The departures of Malinga, Mhambrey and Hopkinson leave Mumbai Indians with important decisions to make about their bowling and fielding support. The franchise will need to identify suitable personnel and establish clear responsibilities before the tournament begins.
With Pollard now leading the team, attention will turn to the remaining coaching appointments and the broader preparations for IPL 2027.
Conclusion
Mumbai Indians have parted ways with Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson as their coaching overhaul continues ahead of IPL 2027. The changes follow Kieron Pollard's appointment as head coach and represent a significant shift in the franchise's support structure.
The next step will be to establish the revised coaching team and ensure that the players receive the preparation and support needed for the upcoming season. Mumbai Indians' final coaching lineup will offer a clearer picture of the direction the franchise intends to take under Pollard
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