Mumbai Indians Build New Support Staff for IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians have assembled a brand-new coaching structure for IPL 2027, adding Robin Uthappa, Michelle McClenaghan, T. Dilip and Dhawal Kulkarni to the support staff. The franchise made the announcement on Friday, and the appointments mark a complete change in the team's coaching setup.
The roles are as follows: Uthappa as batting coach, McClenaghan as bowling coach, Dilip as fielding coach and Kulkarni as development bowling coach. Three of the four have previously worn the Mumbai Indians jersey for extended periods.
On X, the franchise welcomed McClenaghan with the words, "We got Mitch back. A fan favourite who wore his MI badge and showed the MI spirit. Welcome home, Michelle McClenaghan."
The left-arm seamer from New Zealand featured in 56 matches for the franchise between 2015 and 2019, collecting 71 wickets. Mumbai Indians won the title in 2015, 2017 and 2019 while he was part of the side.
Dilip, who was formerly India's fielding coach, has now been appointed to the same role at Mumbai Indians. He is considered among the most successful fielding coaches the country has had.
The franchise praised Dilip on X, stating, "From three ICC titles with India to memorable medal ceremony moments, T. Dilip has won hearts with his energy and passion. Now he brings that same enthusiasm to the Paltan as our fielding coach."
Kulkarni, a former fast bowler, joins as development bowling coach. The franchise welcomed him back, posting, "Mumbai's own, a domestic legend, and now our development bowling coach. Welcome back, Dhawal Kulkarni."
Kulkarni was with Mumbai Indians from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2020 to 2021, taking 36 wickets in 35 matches. He has also played for Gujarat Lions and Rajasthan Royals.
Uthappa, a former India batter, was part of the squad that won the 2007 T20 World Cup. He made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians in 2008 and remains one of the tournament's leading batters. He played a major role in Kolkata Knight Riders' 2014 championship and was a member of the Chennai Super Kings squad that won the league in 2021.
Between 2008 and 2022, Uthappa turned out for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pune Warriors India, KKR, Rajasthan Royals and CSK. Over 205 matches and 197 innings, the attacking batter made 4,952 runs with 27 half-centuries.
The addition of McClenaghan, Dilip, Kulkarni and Uthappa completes Mumbai Indians' coaching setup for IPL 2027, which is entirely new. The franchise had already named Kieron Pollard as head coach. Pollard was a player with MI from 2010 to 2022 and then continued as batting coach until 2026.