Mumbai Indians confirm Jayawardene's departure on Saturday
Mumbai Indians said on Saturday that Mahela Jayawardene will be stepping down as head coach, bringing to a close an association with the franchise that stretches back nearly a decade. The five-time Indian Premier League champions made the announcement in an official statement, thanking the former Sri Lanka captain for his service across two spells in the dugout.
Jayawardene, 49, first took charge of the team in 2017 and stayed until 2022, a period in which Mumbai Indians lifted the IPL trophy three times. He returned to the head coach role in 2024, but the second stint never matched the first: the side finished fourth in 2025 and lost in the playoffs, before ending the 2026 league second-bottom.
According to The Hindu, the franchise has already begun looking for a replacement and is in touch with at least three prospective candidates, as it seeks what the paper described as a fresh outlook following the underwhelming 2026 campaign.
Three IPL titles in a golden first stint
Jayawardene's first spell with Mumbai Indians remains one of the great coaching runs in franchise cricket. Taking over in 2017, he led the side to the title in his very first season, then added further championships in 2019 and 2020.
The move away from the dugout in 2022 took him into the franchise's wider structure as Global Head of Performance. The Hindu reported that during that period he oversaw the franchise's expansion into overseas leagues and helped set a common cricketing philosophy across its teams — a spell in which Mumbai Indians Women, MI New York and MI Emirates each won a title.
A second stint that never took off
Expectations were enormous when Jayawardene returned to the head coach role in 2024. Instead, the team slipped backwards. A fourth-place finish in 2025, ending with a playoff defeat, was followed by a miserable 2026 in which Mumbai Indians finished second-bottom of the table.
The Hindu reported that his departure had been anticipated ever since the franchise struggled to stay competitive through the 2026 season, with the ownership keen to begin a new chapter. Reuters noted that the former Sri Lanka captain was simply unable to replicate the success of his first spell after rejoining the side.
What Jayawardene and Nita Ambani said
In the franchise's statement, Jayawardene struck a warm, grateful tone about his time with the team he called the #OneFamily.
"Mumbai Indians has been a very special part of my journey for over a decade now," he said. "The players, coaching team, the incredible support of the #OneFamily and above all the fans have made this an experience I will always treasure."
He added: "I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and will always carry a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team every success in the years ahead."
Team owner Nita Ambani paid tribute to his contribution. "Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years. His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us," she said. "Mahela will always be a part of our #OneFamily, and we wish him every happiness and success in the journey ahead."
Who will coach Mumbai Indians in IPL 2027?
The search for a successor is already under way. The Hindu reported that Mumbai Indians have begun exploring replacements and are in touch with at least three prospective candidates — described as an IPL stalwart and two former international captains. Whoever takes over will be expected to return the five-time champions to title contention when IPL 2027 begins.
For more from the sports desk, see our coverage of rugby star Hyron Andrews and Pakistan's Asian hockey campaign.
Why it matters
The exit of a three-time title-winning coach is a major moment for the IPL's most successful franchise.
What happens next
Mumbai Indians will now move through their shortlist of candidates, with an announcement expected well before the new season's preparations begin.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Indians announced on Saturday, October 17, 2026, that Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down as head coach.
- The 49-year-old former Sri Lanka captain led MI to IPL titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020 during his first stint from 2017 to 2022.
- He served as Global Head of Performance from 2022 before returning as head coach in 2024.
- His second stint produced a fourth-place finish in 2025 and a second-bottom finish in 2026.
- Nita Ambani praised his "calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game" in a farewell statement.
- The Hindu reported the franchise is already in touch with at least three prospective replacement candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mahela Jayawardene step down as Mumbai Indians head coach?
Mumbai Indians announced his departure on October 17, 2026, after two underwhelming seasons. The side finished fourth in 2025 and second-bottom in 2026, and The Hindu reported the club wanted a fresh outlook.
How many IPL titles did Jayawardene win with Mumbai Indians?
Three. He guided Mumbai Indians to championships in 2017, 2019 and 2020 during his first stint as head coach from 2017 to 2022.
When did Jayawardene first become Mumbai Indians coach?
He first took charge in 2017 and stayed until 2022. After a spell as the franchise's Global Head of Performance, he returned to the head coach role in 2024 for a second stint covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
What did Jayawardene say about leaving Mumbai Indians?
In the club's statement he said Mumbai Indians had been "a very special part of my journey for over a decade," thanked the players, staff, fans and the Ambani family, and said he leaves "with immense pride in what we have achieved together."
Who will replace Jayawardene as Mumbai Indians head coach?
No successor has been named yet. The Hindu reported that the franchise has begun exploring replacements and is in touch with at least three prospective candidates, described as an IPL stalwart and two former international captains.
What is Jayawardene's role as Global Head of Performance?
Between 2022 and 2024 he oversaw the franchise's wider cricket operations. The Hindu reported that during that period, Mumbai Indians Women, MI New York and MI Emirates each won a title.
By GlobalDeskNews Staff | 17 October 2026
Sources
- Reuters — "Jayawardene leaves role as Mumbai Indians head coach" (October 17, 2026). Read the Reuters report
- The Hindu — "Mahela Jayawardene's stint with Mumbai Indians ends" (October 17, 2026). Read The Hindu's report
- ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz carried the franchise's official announcement and statement (October 17, 2026).