In a significant restructuring of its backroom staff, the Mumbai Indians announced on Thursday that they have parted ways with coaches Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson. This development marks the latest stage of a comprehensive overhaul within the franchise's coaching setup as they prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season.
The departures follow the franchise’s announcement last week that Kieron Pollard would be stepping in as the new head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. The exit of these three experienced figures signals that the five-time IPL champions are seeking a fresh strategic direction for their support staff ahead of the highly anticipated mini-auction, which is slated to take place in Goa on December 16.
Lasith Malinga, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Mumbai Indians, leaves behind a legacy deeply intertwined with the team’s success. Having played an instrumental role in securing four IPL title triumphs and the 2011 Champions League T20 victory as a player, Malinga later transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles. The franchise expressed its appreciation for his commitment, competitive spirit, and passion, noting that his influence on the team’s culture would remain significant for years to come.
Paras Mhambrey, another key departure, had a long-standing association with the Mumbai franchise. He served the team between 2010 and 2017 before making a return in 2024. During his tenure, the franchise credited him with bringing a deep understanding of the team’s culture and playing a vital role in the development and nurturing of bowling talent within the squad.
Carl Hopkinson, who joined the coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season, was also acknowledged for his contributions. Bringing significant international expertise from his previous time with the England men’s team, Hopkinson was specifically praised by the franchise for his professionalism and his dedicated efforts toward elevating the team’s fielding standards during his time with the group.
As the franchise bids farewell to these three coaches, it emphasized the slogan, "Once MI, Always MI," while thanking them for their contributions to the wider Mumbai Indians family. The team has extended its best wishes to each individual for their respective future professional endeavours.
Looking ahead, the focus for the franchise now shifts toward the IPL 2027 mini-auction. Scheduled for mid-December, this event will occur nearly a month after the November 15 retention deadline previously communicated to all franchises. The auction will coincide with the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.
The landscape of the IPL continues to evolve, with the trade window already seeing activity since the conclusion of the 2026 season. Notably, the Lucknow Super Giants traded Rishabh Pant to the Delhi Capitals in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav earlier in June, while the Delhi Capitals subsequently traded T. Natarajan to the Sunrisers Hyderabad for uncapped leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. As Mumbai Indians finalize their new coaching team, they remain focused on their upcoming recruitment strategy following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s championship victory over the Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final held in Ahmedabad.
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