Sri Lanka batting legend Mahela Jayawardene has been reappointed as the head coach of five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. Jayawardene served as the head coach of the franchise from 2017 to 2022 a period that saw MI lift the IPL trophy three times.
MI named South Africa legend Mark Boucher as their head coach after Jayawardene became the MI’s Global Head of Cricket, overseeing the expansion of the franchise’s global teams across different leagues.
Under Boucher though MI endured a tough phase as they twice finished bottom of the points table while qualifying for the playoffs just once during his three years in charge.
Terming his return as “an exciting challenge”, Jayawardene, one of the greatest batters to have played the game, said he’s looking forward to building on the vision of the MI owners.
“My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well. Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to,” Jayawardene said.
During his time as Global Head of Cricket, the Sri Lankan worked with the coaching staff of MI’s various franchises across the globe and delivered a trophy each with MI (Women’s Premier League), MI NY (Major League Cricket) and MIE (ILT20).
“We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the Head Coach of Mumbai Indians,” Akash Ambani said in a statement on Sunday. “With our global teams having found their footing within their 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 take this opportunity to thank Mark Boucher for his contribution over the last two seasons. His expertise and dedication were pivotal during his time, and has now become an integral member of the MI family.”
