2007 T20 World Cup winning team member named Mumbai Indians batting coach as MI announces new coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027

Robin Uthappa with the 2007 World Cup trophy (left) and MI Rohit Sharma’s bat Mumbai Indians announced their new-look support staff for IPL 2027 on Friday, appointing Robin Uthappa as batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T. Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawala Kulkarni as development bowling coach.The four will work alongside head coach Kieron Pollard, who replaced Mahela Jayawardene last week, as Mumbai Indians put together a new coaching group ahead of next season.Uthappa, McClenaghan and Kulkarni have previously represented Mumbai Indians as players. Pollard, meanwhile, has been associated with the franchise for 16 years.Uthappa was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007. He represented Mumbai Indians in 2008 and brings experience in Indian domestic and franchise cricket.McClenaghan was part of Mumbai Indians’ winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer represented the franchise from 2015 to 2020 and will now take charge of the bowling group.Dilip joined the Mumbai Indians after working with the India men’s team. He was part of the coaching staff during India’s 2024 and 2026 Men’s World T20 titles and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.Kulkarni, a two-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians in 2013 and 2020, returns to the franchise after representing the team for two spells — from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2020-21.The former Mumbai pacer will work closely with the coaching staff throughout the season and focus on developing the team’s bowling resources, especially the young Indian bowlers. His role will continue throughout the year, providing player support and helping the franchise strengthen its bowling talent pool.The coaching overhaul comes after five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians underperformed last season.