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Five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians have announced the reappointment of former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach ahead of the 18th edition of the cash-rich league. Jayawardene enjoyed a successful six-year tenure with the Men in Blue, guiding them to three titles - in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
While his journey as the head coach of Mumbai Indians began in season 10, he stayed at the helm until the 2022 IPL, where they finished last among 10 teams.
Jayawardene served as their global head of cricket over the last two years, overseeing the expansion of MI's global teams across different T20 leagues. He was replaced by the former South African wicketkeeper batter Mark Boucher who served as the Mumbai Indians head coach during the 2023 and 2024 editions of the IPL.
"My journey within the Mumbai Indians family has always been one of evolution" - Mahela Jayawardene
In the first season under Mark Boucher, Mumbai Indians came close to reaching the summit clash in 2023 before losing the Qualifier 2 fixture by 62 runs against the hosts and eventual runners-up Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
The next season, though, turned out to be a nightmare for them, as they won just four of 14 league matches under new captain Hardik Pandya.
With two last-place finishes in the last three seasons, things haven't gone as per expectations for one of the league's most popular and successful franchises.
Having reappointed Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach, they will look to bring back their glory days under the man who helped them clinch three titles in four seasons.
An elated Jayawardene said that he'a looking forward to the 'exciting' challenges lie ahead (via the franchise's website):
"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".
It will be business straight away for the Sri Lankan who needs to oversee the retentions ahead of the crucial IPL 2025 mega auctions in building a strong squad for the new season.
