IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians kick out Mark Boucher, appoint Mahela Jayawardene as new head coach

Mumbai Indians have made a massive change to their coaching staff ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The five-time Champions has appointed Mahela Jayawardene as the new head coach ahead of the mega-auction, which will take place in November.

Mahela Jayawardene will be replacing Mark Boucher in the role. The former South Africa National Cricket Team player joined the team as a head coach two years before and couldn't take the side to glory. Under him, Mumbai Indians reached playoffs in IPL 2023 but finished last in 2024.

On the other hand, this will be the second stint for Mahela Jayawardene as the head coach of Mumbai Indians. The former Sri Lanka National Cricket Team player joined the team as head coach in 2017 and was there with the team till 2022 in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Before he took the role of Global Head of Cricket for the franchise.

Under Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians have had great success. They went on to win the IPL in 2017, 2019, and 2020. However, ever since he left the team, the Mumbai Indians have been struggling to get going in the league and haven't won anything, facing a lot of heartbreaks and issues as well.

My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution - Mahela Jayawardene

On his appointment as the head coach of Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene talked about his journey with the team, saying that when he first joined his focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals. He added that he would now be working to build on the legacy of the franchise. Speaking in an official statement, he explained:

"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.”

As a Global Head of Cricket for Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene oversaw the expansion of the expansion of global teams across different leagues, working with the coaching staff and delivering a trophy each - with MI (WPL), MI NY (MLC) and MIE (ILT20).

We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the Head Coach of Mumbai Indians - Akash Ambani

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani also talked about the development of bringing Mahela Jayawardene as the head coach of the team in IPL. He highlighted how the leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game of a former Sri Lanka player helped the team in the league.

Akash Ambani also expressed his gratitude towards Mark Boucher for his contribution to the team. He thanked the former South Africa players for his expertise and dedication over the last two seasons. He stated:

"We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. 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,” he concluded.

Mahela Jayawardene have to take massive calls for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians were among the most talked about teams in the last edition. They made a massive leadership change as they sacked Rohit Sharma and appointed Hardik Pandya as the new captain. But now the all-rounder is no longer in a leadership role for India, and Suryakumar Yadav is the new T20I captain, the franchise will have to take some massive calls.