Mahela Jayawardene is set to return as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians, with Paras Mhambrey also making a comeback to the franchise.
Cricpulse can confirm that the 47-year-old former Sri Lankan captain will take over from Mark Boucher, who has served as MI’s coach for the past two years.
Boucher replaced Jayawardene for the 2022 season after leaving the South African national team.
However, after MI finished at the bottom of the table, Jayawardene has been reinstated for the upcoming season.
Boucher will be reassigned to another team in either ILT20, SA20, or MI New York.
In 2022, Jayawardene was named global head of cricket, overseeing the expansion of MI’s global franchises across various leagues and working with the coaching staff to secure trophies for MI (WPL), MI New York (MLC), and MI Emirates (ILT20).
“With each of these teams having their own coaching staff, who also coach multiple teams within the MI family, mirroring the ethos, style of play, and decision-making that elevate the cricket played by the MI One Family, Mahela’s role has now evolved within the MI ecosystem,” the franchise stated.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mahela back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians.
With our global teams establishing themselves within their respective ecosystems, the opportunity to bring him back to MI arose.
His leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game have always benefited MI.
I would also like to thank Mark Boucher for his contributions over the past two seasons.
His expertise and dedication were instrumental during his tenure and he has now become an integral member of the MI family.”
Jayawardene expressed his commitment to building on the franchise’s vision.
“My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution.
In 2017, our focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket possible, and we succeeded.
Now, returning at this pivotal moment in history, I look forward to strengthening the love for MI, building on the owners’ vision, and continuing to add to the legacy of the Mumbai Indians.”
Paras Mhambrey returns to MI
Meanwhile, the last of the staff under Rahul Dravid has secured a position, reflecting the former India coach’s sentiments after his final day with the Indian team in the Caribbean.
Mhambrey, who served as the bowling coach during Dravid’s tenure with the Indian team, appears to have found a role with the MI franchise.
“I will be able to move on quickly from this win; next week, I will be unemployed.
I don’t want to think too far ahead, but yes, I hope I will be able to move on.
I think that’s what life is all about,” Dravid famously remarked following India’s Twenty20 World Cup victory in Barbados on June 29.
Since then, as anticipated, Dravid has joined the Rajasthan Royals, bringing along Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, who has also relocated to Jaipur to work under Dravid.
Mhambrey, who guided Indian bowlers to excel across formats, was expected to follow suit and join the Royals as well.
However, Cricpulse has learned that he has instead returned to the Mumbai Indians, a franchise he previously worked with before taking on roles with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While the MI release on Sunday did not mention Mhambrey’s return, it can be confirmed that the 52-year-old former India pacer, who played two Tests and three ODIs, will be part of the MI camp for the upcoming season.
The five-time champions also have Lasith Malinga as their bowling coach, and it remains to be seen how responsibilities will be divided between the two.
Jayawardene will now be responsible for delegating these duties.
Among other notable staff members who worked under Dravid, fielding coach T Dilip has been retained by the BCCI for the national team.
Dilip is currently with Team India under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
BCCI considering Singapore for IPL auction
In other news, it has been reported that the BCCI is considering Singapore as a potential location for the IPL auction, scheduled for the end of November.
As previously noted, a city in Saudi Arabia is also being considered.
BCCI and IPL officials are currently evaluating their options.
When contacted, many franchises indicated they had not received information about the venue but expressed hope to be informed soon so they can begin organizing visa and travel arrangements for their representatives attending the auction.
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