Mumbai Indians announced on 17 October 2026 that Mahela Jayawardene is stepping down as head coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League, The Tribune reported.
His time at Mumbai Indians
The former Sri Lanka captain had two spells as head coach, from 2017 to 2022 and again from 2024 to 2026. Between them he was the franchise’s Global Head of Performance from 2022 to 2024, a role in which he oversaw its overseas expansion. Mumbai Indians won three IPL titles under his coaching, and Mumbai Indians Women, MI New York and MI Emirates each won championships during his time as global head, the report said.
What he and the franchise said
“Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now… I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together,” Jayawardene said.
Nita Ambani, the franchise’s owner, said: “His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us… Mahela will always be a part of our #OneFamily.”
What happens next
The announcement did not name a successor. Khel Now reported that Mumbai Indians finished ninth in the 2026 season and listed possible replacements, which we examine in a separate report.
Quotes are as reported by The Tribune. The ninth-place finish is as reported by Khel Now.
Image: Mahela Jayawardene in the field for Sri Lanka (file photo). Photo by Amal316, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.