Kieron Pollard’s IPL story has been deeply connected with Mumbai Indians. After spending 13 seasons as a player and three more as the team’s batting coach, Pollard is now beginning a new chapter with the franchise.

The former West Indies all-rounder has been appointed Mumbai Indians’ new head coach, taking over after the franchise parted ways with Mahela Jayawardene earlier this month. His biggest challenge will be to restore a team that has struggled to reproduce its past success in recent IPL seasons.

From Mumbai Star to Head Coach

Pollard joined Mumbai Indians in 2010, at the beginning of his IPL career, and remained an integral part of the team until 2022.

He played a significant role in Mumbai’s five IPL title-winning campaigns. During his IPL career with the franchise, Pollard scored 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 and claimed 69 wickets.

After retiring as a player, he joined Mumbai’s coaching staff as batting coach in 2023. Now, he has been handed the biggest coaching responsibility of his career.

Pollard said he wants to bring back the successful era of Mumbai Indians.

“Taking on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians is a tremendous honour. A huge part of my life and career has been connected with this team, its players and everyone associated with the franchise. The bond I have built with them means a great deal to me.”

His Connection With Mumbai Goes Beyond the IPL

Pollard’s association with the Mumbai Indians franchise extends across several T20 leagues.

He has represented MI New York in Major League Cricket, MI Cape Town in SA20 and MI Emirates in the ILT20. He has also served as head coach of MI London in The Hundred.

His appointment as Mumbai Indians’ head coach now marks the biggest coaching role of his career.

‘Pollard Knows What This Jersey Means’

Mumbai Indians co-owner Nita Ambani expressed her confidence in Pollard’s ability to help the franchise rediscover its identity.

“Pollard joined Mumbai Indians at the age of 22 and over the past 16 years has become an integral part of our family. As a cricketer, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep understanding of the game.”

She added that Pollard understands what it means to represent Mumbai Indians and what is required to play for the franchise.

A Major Challenge Awaits

Mumbai Indians remain one of the most successful teams in IPL history, but their recent results have been inconsistent.

They have failed to reach the final in each of the last six seasons. Although they made the playoffs in 2023 and 2025, they finished 10th in 2024 and ninth in the most recent season.

Pollard’s immediate task will therefore be to rebuild the team and put them back into serious contention for the IPL title.

His first major assignment will be to finalise Mumbai’s retained-player list by November 15. The IPL auction is then expected to take place in Goa roughly a month later.

Pollard said he understands the responsibility that comes with representing Mumbai Indians and wearing the franchise’s blue and gold colours.

“I want to work closely with every player and member of the support staff. I want to carry the legacy of the team forward, help develop our talent and give everyone many more reasons to celebrate.”

For Mumbai Indians, the hope is that Pollard can help bring those celebrations back after several seasons of disappointment.