Mumbai Indians have officially parted ways with their long-time aide Mahela Jayawardene, ahead of the IPL 2027 players’ auction. On Saturday, October 17, the franchise itself announced the departure of its head coach. The departure marks the end of a chapter that has spanned almost a decade. Whoever becomes the next head coach for the Mumbai Indians will have to take immense care in his job.
Among the contenders, the franchise has reportedly shortlisted a 5-man list; former England captain Eoin Morgan and former Australia batter Michael Hussey are among them.
Mumbai Indians shortlisted 5 names
NDTV, in one of its reports, said the officials of the Mumbai Indians have shortlisted five names as soon as the departure of Mahela Jayawardene was confirmed. Among those 5 possible names, only one is not very popular in Indian cricket.
Michael Hussey is probably the biggest name in the list of five. The former Australian batter, who is known for his methodical cricketing mind and ability to work closely with the batters, makes him one of the most eligible candidates for the job. Hussey worked as a batting coach with the Chennai Super Kings for about nine years after playing as a cricketer for them.
Michael Hussey is the biggest name in the race
His coaching stint was under Stephen Fleming. The franchise has undergone a complete overhaul after dismissing Fleming from the position. With Zaheer Khan as their new head coach, a group of new staff is expected to take the office.
It was earlier reported that Super Kings could also axe Hussey from the coaching setup, but he could remain in the Indian Premier League with a different franchise. Mumbai Indians could be his next destination, if the franchise officials think so.
Eoin Morgan will be an interesting choice to replace Mahela Jayawardene
The competition will be hard for Hussey as there is Eoin Morgan as his competitor. Morgan might not have enough experience in coaching, but he is a mastermind in T20 cricket.
The former captain of England and the Kolkata Knight Riders understands the format well and is accustomed to the nature of the Indian league. If the Mumbai-based franchise wants someone electrifying in the dugout who can bring fresh concepts as a coach, then Morgan can be an option.
Three other names in the short list
Aaron Finch, the former Australia captain, who led Australia to the 2021 T20 World Cup title, might also be an interesting candidate. Like Morgan, he also lacks experience in coaching but has enough experience in leading the national side and playing in the IPL for multiple franchises. As he was the captain of the national cricket team and had captaincy stints in the IPL as well, Finch has a tactical mindset and the ability to work closely with the members of a team.
Mark Boucher, who served Mumbai Indians as a head coach during the 2023-24 season, is also one of the contenders to replace Mahela Jayawardene. Adrian Birrell, the only one who has no playing background, has reportedly been shortlisted for the role. Birrell has gained high reputations working in Ireland and South Africa.
