Former West Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard was appointed the new Mumbai Indians' head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League season 2027, the club announced on Saturday.

Pollard, previously the batting coach of MI, will now take over the head coach duties, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, who left the club recently.

The 39-year-old emerged as a one-club man in his IPL playing career, having represented only Mumbai from 2009-10 to his final appearance in the 2022 edition.

Pollard featured for Mumbai in 189 IPL matches, made 3,412 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 while averaging 28.67, including 16 half-centuries. The all-rounder also took 69 wickets with a career-best of 4/44, having played numerous match-winning innings for the Paltans at the biggest of stages.

“It is a honour to take on the role of Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me. Having experienced this journey as a player and then as a coach, I understand what Mumbai Indians stands for and the responsibility that comes with representing the Blue and Gold,” Pollard said in a statement shared by the franchise.

“Pollard joined Mumbai Indians as a young 22-year-old and, over the past sixteen years, has become an integral part of our family. As a player, he gave us many unforgettable moments, and as a coach, he has continued to share his experience, passion and deep understanding of the game,” said the club co-owner Nita Ambani.

“We are delighted to see him take on this new responsibility as Head Coach. Polly knows what it means to wear the MI jersey and what it takes to play for the Paltan. I am confident that he will bring the same commitment, belief and determination to this role. I wish him every success as he leads the team into its next chapter,” she added.

Having won the IPL title for a joint-record of five times, MI have been one of the most successful teams in the league. Mumbai’s last IPL trophy came in the 2020 season, and they have been inconsistent on the table since then, finishing at the bottom in multiple seasons. The major challenge for the former West Indies skipper will be to end a 7-year trophy drought.

(with PTI inputs)