Mumbai Indians (MI) by Indian Premier League (IPL) have enjoyed remarkable success, winning five titles and establishing themselves as one of the competition’s most recognizable franchises. While star players have given memorable performances on the field, many former cricketers have continued to contribute to the team even after retiring from their playing careers.

Franchises have often relied on the experience of former international players to provide guidance to their next generation. His responsibilities include coaching, talent scouting, mentoring and helping players understand the tactical demands of T20 cricket.

Before IPL 2027, Kieron Pollard ‘s promotion as head coach has brought this player-turned-coach journey back into focus. The former West Indies all-rounder joins the list of familiar MI faces who have moved from the playing field to coaching or player development roles.

Here are four Mumbai Indians stars who traded their playing kit for a coaching cap:

1. Kieron Pollard – New head coach of Mumbai Indians

Kieron Pollard is one of the most influential players in the history of Mumbai Indians. The former West Indies captain joined the franchise in 2010 and became a key member of the team that dominated the IPL in the 2010s.

Pollard was known for his powerful hitting, ability to finish close matches and composure in pressure situations. His contributions with both bat and ball helped Mumbai Indians win five IPL titles between 2013 and 2020. He also played a key role in the franchise’s Champions League T20 win.

After representing MI for 13 seasons, Pollard retired from playing in the IPL in 2022 and was appointed as the batting coach of the franchise. The move allowed him to continue working with the team, while sharing his experience with the younger players.

On October 24, 2026, Mumbai Paltan announced the promotion of Pollard as head coach for IPL 2027. After Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from this post. The appointment marks another important step in Pollard’s long association with the franchise.

As head coach, Pollard will face more responsibilities than just improving the team’s batting. They will have to oversee preparations, support tactical planning, manage the coaching group and help players deliver consistent performances throughout the tournament.

His understanding of MI’s culture and experience in high-pressure T20 cricket could prove valuable in helping the five-time champions challenge for another title.

2. Parthiv Patel – Mumbai Indians player turned talent scout and coach

Parthiv Patel Made his mark as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman during his professional career. Making his Test debut for India at the age of just 17, he became known for his energetic approach, compact batting technique and ability to contribute at the top of the order.

Patel represented several franchises during his IPL career, including Mumbai Indians. His most notable campaign came in 2017, when he scored 395 runs and played a key role in Mumbai’s title-winning season.

After retiring from professional cricket in 2020, Patel continued to work in the sport. He served as a talent scout for Mumbai Indians, helping identify potential players through domestic and age-group cricket. Talent scouting requires a different skill set from playing, as it involves assessing a cricketer’s technique, temperament, possibilities and suitability for a particular team environment.

Patel later gained coaching experience with MI Emirates in the ILT20, before joining Gujarat Titans as assistant and batting coach ahead of IPL 2025.

His experience as a wicketkeeper-batsman gives him useful insights into reading match situations, understanding bowling plans and helping batsmen make better decisions. His talent scouting experience also provides a comprehensive understanding of player development.

3. Lasith Malinga – Yorker king turned bowling coach

Lasith Malinga Is remembered as one of the finest death bowlers in T20 cricket. The Sri Lankan fast bowler became a legend for MI through his distinctive sling-arm action, accurate yorkers and ability to bowl under pressure.

Malinga spent over a decade with Mumbai Indians, playing a key role in their rise to the top in the IPL. His performances in important matches made him one of the most reliable players of the franchise, especially when the opponents required only a few runs in the final overs.

After retiring from playing, Malinga transitioned into coaching. MI appointed him as the bowling coach in October 2023, giving him the opportunity to work with the franchise’s fast bowlers.

His knowledge of death over bowling is particularly valuable in modern T20 cricket, where batsmen often aim for the boundary from the start of the innings. Malinga can help bowlers with yorkers, slow balls, changes of pace and develop plans for different match situations.

Their role extends beyond technical instruction. Young bowlers can learn from his experience to handle pressure, bounce back after expensive overs and maintain confidence against aggressive opposition.

For MI, Malinga’s coaching experience provides continuity with the franchise’s successful past, while helping its current bowling group prepare for the demands of IPL 2027.

4. Shaun Pollock – International all-rounder turned coach

shaun pollack Was one of South Africa’s most successful all-rounders and was an important early figure in MI’s IPL history. Known for his disciplined fast bowling, economical spells and useful lower-order batting, Pollock brought considerable international experience to the franchise’s inaugural campaign in 2008.

He captained MI in the first season when Sachin Tendulkar were unavailable. His leadership experience and calm approach make him a respected presence in the dressing room.

After retiring from international cricket, Pollock took up coaching and mentoring. He served as the coach of Mumbai Indians in 2009 and later returned as a mentor and bowling coach for the 2011 season.

His coaching responsibilities were based on the same qualities that made him an effective international cricketer: accuracy, tactical awareness and an understanding of how to put pressure on the batsmen. Pollock’s bowling did not rely solely on pace, but on control, pace and disciplined execution.

As a mentor, he helped players understand the importance of preparation, consistency and decision making. These qualities are especially important in the IPL, where teams have to adapt quickly to different pitches, opponents and match situations.

5. Ricky Ponting – Former Mumbai Indians captain turned head coach

ricky ponting There is another prominent name associated with the development of Mumbai Indians. The former Australian captain represented the franchise as a player and was appointed captain for the 2013 IPL season, before he handed over the leadership to Rohit Sharma during the campaign.

Ponting’s international career was defined by exceptional leadership, tactical awareness and a winning mentality. As captain of Australia, he led the team during its most successful periods, making his knowledge highly valuable in franchise cricket.

After retiring from playing, Ponting ventured into coaching and became the head coach of Mumbai Indians in 2014. His role included team preparation, shaping match strategies and helping players develop the mindset required to compete in the IPL.

Ponting later played for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) Further cementing his reputation as a coach with his international and franchise experience.

His time with MI was relatively brief compared to some other long-serving individuals, but his transition from an outstanding international player to an IPL head coach remains a significant part of his cricketing journey.