In an expected and surprising development, Mumbai Indians have announced on Saturday, October 17, that Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2027.
This decision brings an end to the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer’s decade-long association with the five-time IPL champions. Jayawardene built a strong legacy at Mumbai Indians, having led the franchise to three IPL titles during his tenure as head coach. Earlier, Chaminda Vaas joins Delhi Capitals: A look at his coaching journey.
Mahela Jayawardene steps down as Mumbai Indians head coach
Mumbai Indians and Mahela Jayawardene have mutually decided to part ways ahead of the upcoming IPL 2027 season. The decision was taken after a meeting between the franchise’s top officials earlier this week, as both sides agreed to bring in a fresh approach.
Confirming his decision, Jayawardene said that MI has been a special part of his life for over 10 years that he will always treasure. He also expressed pride in the team’s achievements.
Mahela Jayawardene said in the MI statement, “The Mumbai Indians have been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now. The players, the coaching team, the incredible support of the #OneFamily, and above all the fans have made this an experience I will always treasure. Together, we have shared some unforgettable moments, overcome challenges, and built something we can all be proud of.”
𝗠𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗶 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲 Mahela has been much more than a Head Coach to Mumbai Indians. Under his leadership as Head Coach, Mumbai Indians won 3 IPL titles. Read more 👉 https://t.co/GvYuetCKW5
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) Ocoe 7 06
Mahela thanks MI owners for their unwavering trust and support
He also thanked the MI players, coaching staff, fans, and owners Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their support and trust and wished the franchise success in the future.
Jayawardene signed off by saying, “I want to sincerely thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their unwavering trust, support, and friendship over the years. I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and will always carry a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team every success in the years ahead.”
Mahela Jayawardene’s massive contribution to Mumbai Indians beyond 3 IPL titles
Mahela Jayawardene served as the Mumbai Indians head coach from 2017 to 2022 before returning for another stint from 2024 to 2026. In 2022, Jayawardene became the Global Head of Performance, where he helped expand the MI franchise across different global leagues.
He also worked with coaching teams to develop a common cricketing approach across the One Family. During his tenure, the Mumbai Indians Women, MI New York, and MI Emirates all won titles. Amid this, Ravindra Jadeja denied Rohit-Kohli treatment, dropped from India’s 2027 World Cup plans.
Jayawardene also played a key role in building Mumbai Indians’ team culture and creating a strong dressing-room environment. His focus on discipline, teamwork, collaboration, and putting the team first helped the team to achieve the massive success in the IPL.
Mumbai Indians shortlist candidates for head coach role after Mahela’s exit
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have already shortlisted several candidates for the head coach’s role, with interviews expected to take place next week. Interestingly, Mahela Jayawardene is unlikely to continue with the franchise in any other role as MI prepares for a new direction.
A source close to the developments was quoted as saying by the Times of India, “Mahela is always part of the one family. It was mutually decided to bring in fresh perspective from the upcoming season, and a new coach is likely to be finalized in the coming week. There are names on the table, and a decision will be taken soon.”
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