Mumbai Indians have announced a revamped coaching setup for the IPL 2027 season, appointing T Dilip as their new fielding coach, Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach and Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach. The appointments will see the trio work under newly appointed head coach Kieron Pollard as the five-time champions look to rebuild after a disappointing campaign.
The announcement came a day after Mumbai Indians confirmed the departures of Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson from their men’s coaching staff. McClenaghan will take over Malinga’s bowling responsibilities, while Dilip replaces Hopkinson as fielding coach. Kulkarni, meanwhile, will focus on developing young Indian fast bowlers through a year-round programme.
In an official statement, the franchise highlighted the combination of Mumbai Indians’ culture, international experience and commitment to nurturing emerging talent within the new coaching group.
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Robin Uthappa has also been appointed batting coach, taking over responsibilities previously handled by Pollard. The former West Indies all-rounder had managed the batting department for four seasons before replacing Mahela Jayawardene as head coach.
The coaching changes follow a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, in which Mumbai Indians managed only four victories from 14 matches and finished ninth in the points table. The franchise has not reached an IPL final since winning its fifth title in 2020. With the retention deadline set for November 15 and the mini-auction scheduled for December 16 in Goa, the team faces important decisions ahead of the new season.
Mumbai Indians today announced the appointment of Robin Uthappa as Batting Coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as Bowling Coach, T. Dilip as Fielding Coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as Development Bowling Coach for the upcoming IPL 2027 season.
They will join Head Coach Kieron Pollard as part of a new-look coaching group that brings together a strong understanding of the Mumbai Indians culture, extensive international experience and a shared commitment to developing talent and delivering success.
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— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 30, 2026
T Dilip brings considerable international experience, having served as India’s men’s fielding coach from November 2021. During his tenure, India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2023 and 2025. He was also part of the coaching setup during India’s runner-up finishes at the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship. His popular fielding medal initiative became a regular dressing-room tradition, recognising players for their contributions on the field.
McClenaghan returns to familiar surroundings, having claimed 71 wickets in 56 IPL appearances for Mumbai Indians between 2015 and 2019. The former New Zealand pacer was part of four title-winning campaigns during that period, making him a familiar face within the franchise.
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Kulkarni also brings valuable IPL experience, having taken 86 wickets in 92 matches while representing Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions. He played an important role in Mumbai’s 2013 title-winning campaign, claiming eight wickets in six matches. With experienced former players and coaches joining the setup, Mumbai Indians will hope the revamped backroom staff helps them return to title-winning form in IPL 2027.
