IPL 2027: Mitchell McClenaghan returns to MI as bowling coach, T Dilip, Dhawal Kulkarni join staff

Mumbai Indians Revamp Coaching Staff Ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have strengthened their coaching setup ahead of the IPL 2027 season, appointing former players Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni to bowling roles and bringing in T. Dilip as fielding coach. The trio will work alongside head coach Kieron Pollard and batting coach Robin Uthappa as the franchise looks to build a competitive squad and end its recent trophy drought.

The appointments combine franchise familiarity with international and domestic coaching experience. McClenaghan and Kulkarni have both worn Mumbai’s blue and gold as players, while Dilip arrives with a record of success on the Indian men’s team coaching staff. For Mumbai, the new group’s challenge will be to turn that varied experience into better preparation, sharper skills and consistent performances across a demanding IPL campaign.

Former Mumbai Players Return in Coaching Roles

McClenaghan has been named bowling coach, with Kulkarni taking on the position of development bowling coach. Dilip will oversee fielding, while Uthappa continues as batting coach under Pollard’s leadership. Pollard’s connection with Mumbai Indians stretches back 16 years, giving the coaching group a leader with deep knowledge of the franchise’s culture and expectations.

Bringing former players into the coaching setup can offer practical benefits beyond familiarity with the team. They understand the pressure of representing Mumbai, the demands of a long tournament and the decisions players face in high-stakes moments. Their experience may help coaches communicate tactical plans in ways that feel relevant to the current squad.

Mitchell McClenaghan Brings IPL and Global T20 Experience

The New Zealand left-arm fast bowler represented Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2020 and was part of four IPL title-winning campaigns: 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Across 56 IPL matches, he took 71 wickets at an economy rate of 8.50, with best figures of 4/21. His 19 wickets in 14 matches during the 2017 season underline the impact he could make over a full campaign.

McClenaghan’s value as a coach also comes from his work beyond the IPL. He served as bowling coach for MI Emirates during the 2024 ILT20 season, helping the side win the competition, and later held the same role with MI Cape Town in SA20 2025. He has also worked with Auckland Cricket as an assistant coach and as a coach in the Plunket Shield format.

That mix of franchise T20 and domestic cricket experience could be useful as Mumbai develops a bowling attack built for different conditions and match situations. McClenaghan’s playing background as a left-arm seamer may also offer the team a specialist perspective on angles, variations and plans for bowling at the death. The precise responsibilities will depend on the squad and coaching structure, but his return gives Mumbai a coach who knows both the franchise and the pressures of IPL cricket.

Dhawal Kulkarni to Focus on Bowling Development

Kulkarni’s Mumbai Indians career came in two spells, from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2020 to 2021. He was part of the team’s title-winning squads in 2013 and 2020. In the IPL, the right-arm medium pacer claimed 86 wickets in 92 matches, with an economy rate of 8.31 and best figures of 4/14.

His development role places an emphasis on helping bowlers improve their skills and prepare for the demands of top-level competition. That could include supporting younger players as they work on control, variations and decision-making, while also helping established bowlers maintain consistency during a long season.

After retiring from professional cricket, Kulkarni moved into coaching in Mumbai. The Mumbai Cricket Association appointed him as the senior men’s team’s bowling mentor for the 2024–25 season, and he continued as Mumbai’s bowling coach in 2025. His recent work in the domestic game gives him a useful perspective on nurturing talent and preparing bowlers for competitive cricket.

T. Dilip Adds International Fielding Expertise

Dilip joins Mumbai after serving on the Indian men’s team coaching staff during several major tournament victories. His experience includes India’s T20 World Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026, as well as the 2025 Champions Trophy win.

Fielding can have a decisive influence in close T20 matches, where a saved boundary, sharp catch or quick run-out may change the result. Dilip’s international experience gives Mumbai a coach who has worked in high-pressure environments and understands the standards required at the highest level. His appointment could be particularly valuable as the team seeks to improve its execution in the field, an area where small gains can produce a meaningful advantage over a season.

Mumbai Indians Coaching Staff for IPL 2027

• Head coach: Kieron Pollard
• Batting coach: Robin Uthappa
• Bowling coach: Mitchell McClenaghan
• Fielding coach: T. Dilip
• Development bowling coach: Dhawal Kulkarni

What the Coaching Changes Could Mean for IPL 2027

Mumbai’s appointments suggest a focus on continuity, specialist knowledge and player development. The franchise has paired Pollard’s long association with the team with coaches who bring experience from the IPL, international cricket, domestic competitions and other T20 leagues.

Any prediction about Mumbai’s chances in IPL 2027 will ultimately depend on the squad, player availability and performances during the season. Still, a well-rounded coaching group can help a team prepare more effectively, adapt to different conditions and support players through difficult stretches. With former Mumbai cricketers returning in key roles and Dilip adding international fielding credentials, the franchise has laid out a clear coaching structure for its next campaign.