NEW DELHI: Mahela Jayawardene is set to return as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the 2025 IPL season, bringing back his winning touch to the franchise after two long years. Having previously led MI to three IPL titles in 2017, 2019, and 2020, Jayawardene expressed his excitement about rejoining the team and navigating the challenges of building a new squad through the upcoming mega auction.
“It’s a big auction,” Jayawardene said in an exclusive interview with MITV. “Retention and trying to build a squad are always exciting processes. Sweating it out during the auction, and being part of the heartbeat of everything happening on the field — whether at Wankhede or elsewhere — is something I’m really looking forward to.”
During his first stint as MI’s head coach from 2017 to 2022, Jayawardene cemented his place as one of the most successful coaches in the league.
Reflecting on his favourite moments, he singled out the 2017 and 2019 IPL title wins as particularly special. “The character the guys showed, the calmness out there in the middle, decision-making, it was unbelievable. I still remember the joy in the dugout, the guys running onto the field and enjoying the moment. I obviously would stand still for a minute because they were new experiences for me. It is amazing. It is tough but those are the finer moments. I truly enjoyed those two wins because they were unique.”
Jayawardene also acknowledged the importance of MI’s fanbase, the ‘MI Paltan’, and their unwavering support over the years. “They are amazing. We are responsible for putting them through the rollercoaster of emotions, but they are genuine fans. I know they always support us as long as we show hunger, passion, and pride in playing for Mumbai.”
The familiar faces of Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard — both integral to MI’s past successes — mean Jayawardene will be working closely with his former teammates.
“Lasith and Polly are two amazing individuals who bring different aspects to the game. They have a wealth of experience and are true MI players. It will be exciting to sit in the same room again and strategize alongside them,” the former Sri Lankan skipper acknowledged.
As MI prepare for the IPL 2025 season, the mega auction is likely to take place in the third or fourth week of November 2024, with reports suggesting that the venue could again be in the Middle East, similar to the 2024 auction.
