IPL 2025: Mahela Jayawardene Returns as Mumbai Indians Head Coach, Paras Mhambrey Gets Key Role

Mumbai Indians have appointed former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene as the head coach of the team. MI confirmed this on Sunday. At the same time, Paras Mhambrey has been made the bowling coach. Earlier also he was the head coach of the Mumbai Indians team from 2017 to 2022. Apart from this, he has also been the captain of the MI team in the IPL. He will replace Mark Boucher, who was the head coach of the team in 2022 and 2023.

Although Mhambrey’s return was not mentioned in the MI release on Sunday, it is being confirmed that the former Indian fast bowler, who has played two Tests and three ODIs, will be part of the Mumbai Indians camp for the upcoming season. The five-time champion team also has Lasith Malinga as the bowling coach and it remains to be seen how the work will be divided.

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Akash Ambani’s Statement

Mumbai Indians’ Akash Ambani said We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians. As our franchise teams have made their mark in their respective leagues around the world, the opportunity arose to bring him back to MI. His leadership, experience, and passion for the game have always benefited MI. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Boucher for his contributions over the last two seasons. His expertise and dedication were crucial during his tenure, and he has now become an integral member of the MI family.

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Jayawardene’s Perspective

Mumbai Indians Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene said, My journey within the MI family has always been one of growth. In 2017, our focus was on bringing together a group of talented individuals to play the best cricket and we did extremely well. Now to return to that same moment in history, where we look to the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love for MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to contribute to the history of Mumbai Indians is an exciting challenge that I am eagerly looking forward to.

Challenges Ahead

It is worth noting that before this Jayawardene was the head coach of the team for five consecutive years from 2017 to 2022. Although in 2022 he was made the global head of the franchise due to the global expansion of the MI franchise in other leagues, but now he has been brought back again. Last year Mumbai Indian’s performance was very poor. Mumbai finished 10th. Mumbai Indians won only four out of 14 matches.