Mumbai Indians News: Before IPL 2027, former Sri Lankan veteran player Mahela Jayawardene has decided to part ways with Mumbai Indians. The franchise announced on Saturday (October 17) that Mahela Jayawardene will step down as the head coach of the team ahead of IPL 2027. With this, Jayawardene's long journey of ten seasons with Mumbai, one of the most successful teams of the league, comes to an end. Under his guidance the team won the title three times out of five (in 2017, 2019 and 2020).
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Mahela Jayawardene was appointed Mumbai Indians head coach before IPL 2017. He remains in the role until the 2022 season. Subsequently, when Mumbai Indians expanded into overseas leagues such as SA20, ILT20 and MLC, he was promoted to the position of 'Global Head of Performance'. The 2024 season was very poor and Jayawardene returned as head coach in place of Mark Boucher ahead of IPL 2025. Mumbai Indians reached 'Qualifier 2' in that season. However, this year the team's performance was very disappointing and the team finished second from the bottom in the points table.
On parting ways with Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene said, “Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade. The players, the coaching team, the amazing support of #OneFamily and most of all, the fans have made this an experience I will cherish forever. Together we have shared some unforgettable moments, faced challenges and built something we can all be proud of.”
Thanking Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani, Jayawardene said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their unwavering faith in me, support and friendship over the years. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together. Mumbai Indians will always have a special place in my heart. I wish the entire team every success in the years to come.”
Team owner Nita Ambani said, “Mahela has made a huge contribution to Mumbai Indians over the last few years. Her calm leadership, honesty and deep love for the game means a lot to us.” She further added, “On behalf of the entire Mumbai Indians family, I would like to thank Mahela for her immense contribution and unwavering dedication. We will always cherish the journey we have traveled together and the memories we have made.”