Big Blow To Mumbai Indians Ahead Of IPL 2027, Mahela Jayawardene Resigns As Head Coach

New Delhi: Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down as the head coach of Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Jayawardene held the role for the last two seasons during his second stint with the team, having previously coached MI from 2017 to 2022. "Mumbai Indians today announced that Mahela Jayawardene will step down as head coach, ending his decade-long association with the #OneFamily," Mumbai Indians said in a press release on Saturday.

Mumbai Indians won three IPL titles during Jayawardene's tenure

During Jayawardene's tenure as head coach, Mumbai Indians won three IPL titles. The franchise said Jayawardene played a key role in building the franchise's culture and fostering a team environment based on discipline, collaboration and a team-first approach during his two stints as head coach.

Why has Mahela Jayawardene once again distanced himself from the Mumbai Indians? Who will be MI's new head coach? These are the questions currently circulating in cricket circles.

"In his two stints in the role, from 2017 to 2022 and then from 2024 to 2026, he has played a key role in building the franchise's culture, creating a strong team environment and fostering an approach based on discipline, collaboration and a team-first mindset," MI wrote in its release.

Jayawardene said that Mumbai Indians have been a special part of his journey for over a decade. He thanked the players, coaching staff, fans, and franchise owners Nita and Akash Ambani for their support and trust. He expressed pride in the team's success and wished the franchise continued success in the years to come.

𝗠𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗶 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲 Mahela has been much more than a Head Coach to Mumbai Indians. Under his leadership as Head Coach, Mumbai Indians won 3 IPL titles. Read more 👉 https://t.co/GvYuetCKW5

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 17, 2026

'Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey'

He said, “Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade. The players, the coaching team, the tremendous support of #OneFamily, and most importantly, the fans have made it an experience I will cherish forever. Together, we have shared some memorable moments, faced challenges, and built something we can all be proud of. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their unwavering trust, support, and friendship over the years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and MI will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish the team every success in the years to come.”

Nita Ambani said Jayawardene has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians through his leadership, integrity and commitment, adding that the franchise will always consider him a part of their family and wishes him success in the future.

He said, "Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years. His calm leadership, integrity, and deep love for the game have meant a lot to us. On behalf of the entire MI family, I would like to thank him. We are grateful for Mahela's immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years. We will always cherish the journey we have shared and the memories we have made together. Mahela will always be a part of our #OneFamily, and we wish him every happiness and success in his future endeavors."