The Mumbai Indians (MI) will be in the shopping market much before the IPL auction as they are now on the hunt for a new head coach following the departure of Mahela Jayawardene.
The franchise confirmed that MI and Jayawardene have parted ways, thanking the Sri Lankan for the “significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years.” Jayawardene had two stints with MI as their coach: from 2017 to 2022 and from 2024 to 2026.
MI won three IPL titles between 2017 and 2022, but finished 10th in 2024, 9th in 2026, and were knocked out in the playoffs in 2025. The last three seasons at MI have reeked of a feeling of unease and lack of cohesion among the players with Hardik Pandya being the captain. There are rumors that Pandya is available in the trade window, and MI could trade him away if the deal is acceptable.
As for the coach’s role, MI have a few world-renowned names on their table, while a few have counted themselves out.
As per Cricbuzz, Rahul Dravid has ruled himself out of contention to become the MI head coach. “He (Dravid) wants to focus on his family and his sons’ (Samit and Anvay) careers,” a source told Cricbuzz, who also reported that Eoin Morgan and Adam Gilchrist are also unwilling to take up the job at the moment.
Three names, however, are strongly linked with the Mumbai Indians right now.
Who will be the new MI head coach: 3 options for new Mumbai Indians head coach
Mike Hussey
Mike Hussey could be the hottest available coach in the T20 circuit currently, following his exit from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Hussey reportedly turned down Stephen Fleming’s request to join him in the England team setup, and he is open to a job at the IPL.
Hussey brings in vast experience of coaching at the top level. He had been a long-serving batting coach of CSK, has held the coach’s position at Welsh Fire in The Hundred (men’s), and been in the leadership/director capacities at Sydney Thunder in the BBL.
Further, Hussey has had brief stints as a consultant with England, Australia, and South Africa’s international men’s teams.
Hussey has a past relationship with the Mumbai Indians: he played for MI in IPL 2014.
Aaron Finch
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch is reportedly looking to foray in the IPL as a coach. While Finch doesn’t have any coaching experience at the higher level, he has proven his tactical and strategic nous by leading Australia to the 2020 T20 World Cup triumph and Melbourne Renegades to their maiden BBL trophy.
Following his retirement from all forms of the game, Finch swiftly moved into broadcasting, commentary, and unofficial mentoring roles.
Among the nine IPL teams Finch was part of, one was Mumbai Indians (2015).
Adrian Birrell
Adrian Birrell may not be a recognized name among Indian fans, but ardent followers of T20 cricket hail the South African.
The 65-year-old Birrell came into recognition in the T20 circuit by coaching Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three SA20 titles and one runner-up finish. He is currently the head coach of Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred women’s competition and of Sharjah Warriorz in the ILT20 league.
Birrell was the head coach of Ireland from 2002 to 2007. From 2013 to 2017, he was an assistant coach for South Africa.
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