New Delhi: Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians have brought back Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach. He previously held the position from 2017 to 2022, during which time he won three championships. Jayawardene’s coaching style was marked by his ability to bring out the best in his players, fostering a team spirit that led to several memorable victories.
After the IPL 2022 season, Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka skipper, became the franchise’s Global Head of Cricket, overseeing the expansion of the expansion of MI’s teams across different leagues, working with the coaching staff and delivering a trophy each – with MI (WPL), MINY (MLC) and MIE “My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever, and we did very well.
“Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to,” said Jayawardene in a statement issued by the franchise.
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With Jayawardene’s elevation to a global role in 2022, MI brought in former South Africa player and head coach Mark Boucher for the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons. While they entered the playoffs in IPL 2023, the 2024 season saw them at the bottom of the points table, especially after Hardik Pandya was traded in from Gujarat Titans and became the side’s captain in place of Rohit.
However, in the lead-up to the IPL 2025 mega auction, MI brought Jayawardene back to the head coach role, where he formed a formidable partnership with then-skipper Rohit Sharma to take the franchise to colossal success.
“We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians. With our global teams having found their footing within their ecosystems, the opportunity to bring him back to MI arose. His leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game have always benefited MI.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Boucher for his contribution over the last two seasons. His expertise and dedication were pivotal during his time, and he has now become an integral member of the MI family,” added Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians.
Jayawardene’s first assignment upon rejoining MI as head coach would be to finalise their IPL 2025 mega auction strategy. The IPL 2025 mega auction is a crucial event for the team’s future, as it allows them to retain key players and make strategic new signings. As per the auction rules, teams can retain six players—either five capped (Indian & Overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped—from their existing squad via retention or using the Right to Match (RTM) option.
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–IANS
