Kieron Pollard has emerged as the preferred candidate of former Mumbai Indians Fielding Coach James Pamment to succeed Mahela Jayawardene as Head Coach of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. With Jayawardene stepping down following a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, the franchise faces an important leadership decision ahead of the new season.
Pollard, who represented Mumbai Indians as a player before becoming the franchise’s Batting Coach, has extensive experience within the organisation. Pamment believes he has the credentials to take on the senior coaching role, although the final decision rests with the franchise’s owners.
Pamment backs Pollard for Mumbai Indians leadership role
Pamment, who spent eight years as Mumbai Indians Fielding Coach, has identified Pollard as his preferred choice for the vacancy.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IANS, Pamment said: “Really, other than Kieron Pollard, I’m not sure who could take over. There’s been lots of names mentioned, but for me, if Kieron feels he’s ready to take it on, he’d be the man I’d give the job to. But I’ve heard about (Mike) Hussey, or this, that and the other people. But there’s a guy there who bleeds blue and gold.”
Pamment continued: “He started his coaching career there and, once again, if he can put good people around him, I think he’s a guy who would have respect from the players. He’s definitely got the knowledge about playing T20 cricket, especially in the IPL. But let’s see – the owners might have something else in mind.”
The appointment process will require Mumbai Indians to decide whether to promote someone from their existing coaching setup or recruit an external candidate.
Jayawardene departs after contrasting spells with Mumbai Indians
Jayawardene stepped down as Mumbai Indians Head Coach on October 17, 2026, bringing his second spell in the position to an end.
The former Sri Lanka Captain had previously overseen one of the franchise’s most successful periods, leading Mumbai Indians to IPL championships in 2017, 2019 and 2020 during his first tenure from 2017 to 2022.
His return to the Head Coach position produced different results. Mumbai Indians finished fourth in IPL 2025 before ending the 2026 season at the bottom of the standings.
Pamment, who worked alongside Jayawardene for several years, reflected on the departure. He said: “I was a little bit shocked actually when I saw at the weekend that Mahela had decided to step down. I enjoyed a lot of years working alongside Mahela.”
He added: “So passionate about Mumbai Indians, so passionate about the performance of the team as well. He was so passionate about helping develop the players, especially the Indian players, to go on and become significant players for India as well, which a number of those guys now are when coming on this trip to New Zealand. So, I was surprised. I’m sort of out of the loop now, so I’m not sure what the inner workings are. Let’s see.”
Zaheer Khan begins new chapter at Chennai Super Kings
Another former member of Mumbai Indians’ leadership setup, Zaheer Khan, has taken charge as Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), succeeding long-serving coach Stephen Fleming.
Zaheer previously worked alongside Jayawardene as Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations. His appointment at CSK represents his first assignment as a Head Coach.
Drawing on their experience at Mumbai Indians, Pamment highlighted Zaheer’s collaborative leadership style and ability to bring people together. He believes the former India fast bowler could succeed by assembling a coaching staff whose expertise complements his approach, while also having an early opportunity to shape CSK’s squad through player retentions and recruitment ahead of IPL 2027.
Mumbai Indians face key decision before IPL 2027 retentions
Mumbai Indians must finalise their coaching arrangements before the IPL 2027 retention deadline, with the mini auction scheduled for December 16 in Goa.
Mike Hussey is among the other names mentioned in connection with the vacancy, although Pamment has expressed his preference for Pollard.
The appointment will determine who leads Mumbai Indians’ preparations as they seek to recover from their last-place finish in IPL 2026.
