Mahela Jayawardene is poised to resume his role as head coach of the Mumbai Indians, with Paras Mhambrey, who has previously been linked to the franchise, also returning. Cricbuzz has verified that Jayawardene, the 47-year-old former captain of Sri Lanka, will succeed Mark Boucher, who has held the coaching position for the last two years.
Boucher took over from Jayawardene for the 2022 season following his departure from the South African national team. However, with MI finishing at the bottom of the standings, Boucher is now being succeeded by the Sri Lankan for the upcoming season. Boucher is expected to be assigned to a different team in IL T20, SA20, or MI NY.
Mahela Jayawardene set to become the head coach of Mumbai Indians once again
In 2022, Jayawardene became the global head of cricket, overseeing the expansion of the expansion of MI’s global teams across different leagues, working with the coaching staff and delivering a trophy each — with MI (WPL), MI New York (MLC) and MI Emirates (ILT20). “With each of these teams having a set coaching staff, who also coach multiple teams in the MI family mirroring the ethos, style of play and decision-making that elevate the cricket played by the MI One Family, Mahela’s role has now again evolved within the MI ecosystem,” the franchise said in a statement.
“We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians. With our global teams having found their footing within their ecosystems, the opportunity to bring him back to MI arose. His leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game have always benefitted MI. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Boucher for his contribution over the last two seasons. His expertise and dedication were pivotal during his time, and has now become an integral member of the MI family.”
Jayawardene said he would strive to build on the vision of the franchise owners. “My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well. Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to,” the Sri Lankan said.
Paras Mhambrey set to become the bowling coach of Mumbai Indians
The crucial member of the staff associated with Rahul Dravid has reportedly secured a position, reflecting the sentiments expressed by the former India coach following his last day with the Indian team in the Caribbean. Paras Mhambrey, who served as the bowling coach during Dravid’s tenure with the Indian team, seems to have obtained a role with the MI franchise.
“I will be able to move on quickly from this win, next week I will be unemployed. I don’t want to think too far ahead, but yes, I hope, I will be able to move on. I think that’s what life is all about,” Dravid had famously said after India’s Twenty20 World Cup win in Barbados on June 29.
Since then, as was expected, Dravid has joined the Rajasthan Royals, bringing along Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, who has also relocated to Jaipur to continue working under Dravid. Mhambrey, who guided Indian bowlers to excel across formats, is expected to follow suit and join the Royals as well.
However, it is possible that he may join the Mumbai Indians, a franchise he previously worked with before taking on roles with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the MI release of Sunday did not mention the return of Mhambrey, it can be confirmed that the 52-year-old former India pacer, who played two Tests and three ODIs, will be part of the MI camp for the coming season.
The five-time champions have Lasith Malinga as a bowling coach too and how the division of work will be done is to be seen. Jayawardene will now be in charge of delegating the work.
Among other prominent staff who worked under Dravid, fielding coach T Dilip was retained by the BCCI for the national team. Dilip is currently with Team India under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
