Kieron Pollard Aims to Revitalize Mumbai Indians as New Head Coach

New Delhi, October 24 (Daily Kiran) : Kieron Pollard, the newly appointed head coach of the Mumbai Indians, acknowledged that the five-time IPL champions have fallen short of fan expectations in recent seasons. He believes that acknowledging this shortcoming is the first step towards becoming a formidable team once again.

Pollard, who served as the batting coach for the past four IPL seasons, steps into the role following the departure of Mahela Jayawardene. The former West Indies all-rounder has been associated with the Mumbai Indians since 2010, initially joining the team as a player.

Having been part of all five of Mumbai’s IPL title victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, Pollard also contributed to the team’s two Champions League T20 wins in 2011 and 2013. He stated, “As a team, we understand that we have not performed as well as our fans expect. The first step towards improvement is admitting this fact.”

In a video posted on the Mumbai Indians’ social media platform, Pollard expressed his desire to reignite the passion that fans have shown over the years. He emphasized the importance of working with a new generation of cricketers to recreate past memories. “We are ready to wear this team badge and play with pride,” he said.

Pollard played 189 IPL matches, scoring 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 and taking 69 wickets. He retired from the league before the 2023 season and was appointed as the batting coach shortly thereafter.

Discussing his priorities, Pollard highlighted the need to identify areas for improvement and restore the team’s identity at their home ground. He acknowledged that recent poor performances cannot be ignored.

Since winning the IPL 2020 in the UAE, the Mumbai Indians have not secured another title. Although they reached the playoffs in 2023 and 2025, they finished tenth and ninth in the 2024 and 2026 seasons, respectively. Pollard remarked, “The first task is to understand what needs to be done. We must move forward with the same enthusiasm and energy.”

He added that fans should not see the colors of other teams when they enter Wankhede Stadium. “We want to see our blue flag waving and the same passion from our fans. This must start with us,” he said, acknowledging the team’s recent shortcomings.

Pollard emphasized the importance of playing for the badge and ensuring that opposing teams remember the Mumbai Indians’ past glories. “While history is important, sometimes you need to look back to move forward. This is where our journey begins,” he stated.

He also reflected on the weight of his new responsibilities, saying, “I don’t think I fully grasp the magnitude of this role yet. However, leading a team that I have been a part of for so long feels different. I never imagined I would transition into management when I started.”

Known for his aggressive style on the field, Pollard assured fans that his hunger for victory will remain unchanged in the dugout. “The desire to win and show passion is ingrained in me. Personally, not much will change. That fire will continue to burn, just from a different perspective,” he noted.

Pollard credited his predecessor, Jayawardene, for enhancing his understanding of the game during their time together. He recounted their journey from rivals to teammates and finally to coaching staff.

He said, “My ten years with Mahela were incredible. Our first encounter was as competitors, and I was impressed by his strategic understanding of the game. Working under him as a coach and learning from him has been a remarkable experience.”

Pollard concluded by expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the success achieved under Jayawardene’s guidance, emphasizing the importance of building on that legacy as he steps into his new role.