Heading into another reset, Mumbai Indians confirmed on Saturday that Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down as head coach ahead of IPL 2027. Ending a decade-long association with the team, Jayawardene’s exit has added pressure on the team’s performance. Jayawardene was included first in 2017 and stayed till 2022. He later returned for his second leg that ends now. Three of MI’s titles came on his watch, in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Nita Ambani said he would always be considered part of the MI family.
“Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years. His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us. On behalf of the entire MI family, I want to thank Mahela for his immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years,” MI owner Nita Ambani said.
“Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now. The players, coaching team, the incredible support of the #OneFamily and above all the fans have made this an experience I will always treasure,” Mahela said in a statement.
His exit follows an underwhelming 2026 campaign, with inconsistent results over two of the last three seasons pushing the franchise towards a reset. MI have reportedly begun the search for a successor and are in talks with at least three candidates.
Meanwhile, the captaincy question keeps mongering. According to sources in the know, the franchise are weighing a return to Rohit Sharma as captain, with current skipper Hardik Pandya possibly being traded. Nothing is official. The franchise has said nothing on the matter, so for now it remains talk, though loud talk.
Reports claim the franchise’s top management was leaning towards handing the responsibility back to its most successful skipper for IPL 2027.
The Nita Ambani-owned premier league team clinched five IPL trophies, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, all under Rohit’s captaincy.
The matter is now time-sensitive. MI must find a new head coach before the mid-November retention deadline for IPL 2027, because the coach will want a say in who stays and who goes.
With a jolt on three dimensions, it remains to see how MI shape their coming three years.