Mumbai Indians Appoint Robin Uthappa and T Dilip to Coaching Staff

Mumbai Indians have officially announced a major restructuring of their coaching staff to support head coach Kieron Pollard. Among the key appointments is former Indian batter Robin Uthappa, who joins as the team’s batting coach. Uthappa, who previously played for the franchise during the inaugural 2008 season, transitions into this role following his retirement from league cricket in 2022. This appointment represents his debut as a coach within the IPL framework. He was a regular in the MI playing XI in IPL 2008 before being involved in one of the leagues’ earliest trades in exchange for Zaheer Khan from Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The franchise has also secured the services of T Dilip as the new fielding coach. Dilip brings extensive experience to the setup, having served in the same capacity for the senior Indian men’s team for nearly five years. During his tenure, he contributed to three significant ICC title victories, including the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His arrival facilitates a reunion with veteran player Rohit Sharma.

Former New Zealand left-arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan joins the backroom team as bowling coach, while Dhawal Kulkarni takes on the role of development bowling coach. McClenaghan was integral to Mumbai’s title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, and 2019, securing 71 wickets across 56 appearances. He recently gained coaching experience leading MI Emirates to victory in the 2024 ILT20. Kulkarni, who played 92 IPL matches including stints with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions, will hold a year-round position intended to ensure continuity in the team’s performance programme and support talent development.

These appointments follow the departure of former bowling coach Lasith Malinga, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson and Paras Mhambrey. Kulkarni’s history with the franchise spans the first six seasons, including the 2013 title win, and a return stint between 2020 and 2021. Between 2014 and 2016, he represented India in 12 ODIs and two T20Is. Although he did not play a game, he was also part of the squad during their successful title defence in 2020.

As the newly formed coaching unit settles in, their immediate priority involves finalizing player retentions ahead of the upcoming auction in December. The revamped staff is expected to maintain the rigorous standards of the Mumbai Indians’ performance structure as they prepare for the 2027 season.