Kieron Pollard Takes Charge as Head Coach of Mumbai Indians Ahead of IPL 2027

Kieron Pollard has been appointed as the head coach of Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2027 season. In his first address, he acknowledged the team's recent struggles and expressed his commitment to restoring the franchise's glory. Pollard aims to create a vibrant atmosphere at Wankhede Stadium, emphasizing the importance of team spirit and fan engagement. He reflects on the need to prioritize the team's legacy while maintaining a fun and relaxed environment for players. With a rich history with MI, Pollard is determined to lead the team back to success after several challenging seasons.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 23:56 IST

Pollard's Vision for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 24: Kieron Pollard, the newly appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians (MI), addressed the media after his appointment, acknowledging the team's struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over recent seasons. He emphasized the need for the franchise to confront its challenges head-on.

Pollard expressed his desire to see MI's blue flags dominating the Wankhede Stadium, contrasting them with the red and yellow colors of rival teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

On Saturday, MI officially named Pollard as their head coach for the upcoming IPL 2027 season, promoting him from his previous role as batting coach. This move marks a continuation of his long-standing relationship with the franchise, as he takes over from Mahela Jayawardene.

In his first interview post-appointment, Pollard highlighted his initial focus on understanding the reasons behind MI's lack of success since their last title win in 2020, which included three finishes at the bottom of the table, two of which were last place.

“My first task is to grasp what needs to be done. We need to bring back the spirit and energy. When fans enter Wankhede Stadium, they should see blue flags flying, reflecting our passion and spirit. This starts with us,” he stated.

Pollard acknowledged the team's underperformance in recent years, particularly the last two seasons, and stressed the importance of prioritizing the team over individual interests. He aims to remind opponents of MI's glorious past as five-time champions.

“We recognize that we haven’t met expectations in the last couple of years. We will strive to play for the badge, putting the team first, and ensuring that our history resonates with our opponents,” he added.

Despite the pressure of results, Pollard remains focused on creating a fun and relaxed environment for the team. He believes that maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial for performance.

“The most enjoyable aspect is setting the tone for the team. Being from the Caribbean, I value fun, entertainment, and relaxation, as they enhance performance. If results don’t go our way, I won’t be fazed; it’s still just a game of cricket,” he concluded.

Pollard retired from IPL in November 2022 and took on the role of batting coach for IPL 2023. Since joining MI in 2010, he has been a key player, contributing significantly to the team's success with 3,412 runs and 69 wickets in 189 matches.