Mumbai Indians have made some important changes to their coaching staff ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The five-time champions have brought back three of their former players in coaching roles and also added former India fielding coach T. Dilip to their support staff.
Robin Uthappa has been appointed as the team’s batting coach, while New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan will handle the bowling department. T. Dilip will take charge as the fielding coach, with former Mumbai and India fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni joining as the development bowling coach.
All four will work under head coach Kieron Pollard, who will continue to lead MI’s coaching group.
The appointments bring back familiar faces to the franchise, with Uthappa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni having represented Mumbai Indians during their playing careers. The team will look to combine their experience with fresh ideas as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Robin Uthappa Returns As Batting Coach
Robin Uthappa will take up the responsibility of improving Mumbai Indians’ batting unit. The former India batter was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007.
Uthappa also has previous experience with Mumbai Indians, having represented the franchise during the 2008 season. His experience of playing in the IPL and other T20 leagues is expected to help the team’s batters.
He will work closely with the players on their batting approach, decision-making and adapting to the changing demands of T20 cricket.
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Mitchell McClenaghan Takes Charge Of Bowling Department
Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan is another familiar name returning to the Mumbai Indians set-up.
McClenaghan enjoyed a successful playing career with the franchise, representing them between 2015 and 2020. He was part of four IPL title-winning teams in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Known for his aggressive style of bowling and competitive attitude, the left-arm pacer brings plenty of IPL experience to the role. He will now be responsible for working with Mumbai Indians’ bowling group.
T. Dilip Joins As Fielding Coach
Mumbai Indians have also added considerable experience to their fielding department by appointing T. Dilip as their new fielding coach.
Dilip was previously associated with the Indian men’s cricket team and was part of the coaching staff during some of the team’s biggest recent achievements.
He was involved in India’s title-winning campaigns at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
His experience of working with the national team will be valuable for MI’s fielding unit. He will focus on improving the players’ athleticism, preparation and consistency on the field.
Dhawal Kulkarni Named Development Bowling Coach
Former India and Mumbai fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni has been given the role of development bowling coach.
Kulkarni has a long association with Mumbai Indians and was part of their IPL title-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2020. He represented the franchise in two separate stints, first between 2008 and 2013 and then from 2020 to 2021.
With years of experience in domestic and IPL cricket, Kulkarni will mainly focus on developing young Indian fast bowlers.
His responsibilities will not be limited to the IPL season. He will also remain involved in the franchise’s year-round performance programme, helping young bowlers improve and preparing them for bigger opportunities.