Mumbai Indians have made a big move ahead of IPL 2027, promoting batting coach Kieron Pollard to head coach as they say goodbye to Mahela Jayawardene.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have appointed Kieron Pollard as head coach ahead of IPL 2027.

The exciting former West Indies all-rounder has spent the last few years as batting coach at the franchise and will now replace Jayawardene in the head coaching role.

Mumbai Indians back Pollard's appointment

Speaking about the new head coach, Mumbai Indians said he had a close connection to the club and had been part of some of their most successful campaigns

"Pollard's appointment reflects Mumbai Indians' commitment to building on the team's legacy while continuing to develop talent, strengthen its culture and pursue excellence on and off the field," the franchise said in a statement.

They added his leadership would bring together "the experience of contributing to MI's greatest campaigns" with the "ambition to shape its future".

Being familiar with the dressing-room set-up and knowing what the Mumbai Indians fans expect was clearly a big factor in his promotion.

Pollard has spent the last five years at the franchise as a player and has now transitioned into a coaching role.

From MI legend to head coach

Pollard was one of the most exciting players to watch for Mumbai Indians during his time at the franchise.

A brilliant lower-order batsman with a fierce upper cut and a handy medium pace, he scored 158 sixes in his IPL career, including 19 sixes in the final over of a match.

His knowledge of the game and understanding of how the Mumbai Indians dressing-room works should help him as he embarks on his new role as head coach.

His appointment also makes sense given the club's approach in recent years to keeping people who understand the ethos of the franchise.

New era for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027

With Jayawardene leaving the role, Mumbai Indians will be looking to Pollard to lead them into a new era.

Expectations will be high that he can help them compete at the top end of the table and maintain their position as one of the IPL's most successful franchises.

For Pollard, it will be a big challenge to shape the team's strategy and plan for developing young players as they move into another year of IPL cricket.