Mumbai Indians, Jayawardene agree to part ways; new head coach likely

Mumbai Indians and head coach Mahela Jayawardene have mutually decided to bring in a fresh perspective starting with the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

In a meeting of the top brass earlier this week, both parties reached an agreement. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that a new head coach is likely to be finalised soon.

The IPL giants have already identified multiple candidates for the top job and interviews could happen in the coming week to finalise the new head coach.

It is unlikely that Jayawardene will stay in the MI set-up in a different capacity and the franchise is clear on taking a different direction before heading into the new cycle.

"Mahela is always part of the one family. It was mutually decided to bring in fresh perspective from the upcoming season and a new coach is likely to be finalised in the coming week. There are names on the table and a decision will be taken soon," says a source tracking developments.

Jayawardene joined the five-time champions on a "two + one" contract in 2024. Under the former Sri Lanka captain, Mumbai Indians reached the playoffs in 2025 but finished ninth the following year.

2026 was a disappointing season for the giants as they won only four games in a campaign marred by injuries, availability concerns and unrest in the dressing room.

It now remains to be seen how the Hardik Pandya trade talks unfold in the coming weeks. Franchise sources maintain that the status quo continues but activity can't be ruled out closer to the retention deadline.