As part of a significant makeover before the big auction, the five-time IPL champion Mumbai Indians have hired former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach.
As part of a significant makeover before the big auction, the five-time IPL champion Mumbai Indians have hired former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach. From 2017 until 2022, Jayawardene had a similar position with the team, managing their championship runs in 2017–19, 2019–2020, and 2020–21. After serving as MI’s head coach for two years, former South African wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher was replaced by Jayawardene. Mumbai Indians had a dismal season, finishing bottom with just four victories in 14 games, yet they advanced to the 2023 edition’s knockout stages.
“In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well,” Jayawardene stated in a release published by the team. “My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution.”
“I am looking forward to the exciting challenge of returning at this moment in history when we look forward to the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the owners’ vision, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians,” he continued.