Mumbai Indians bring in Robin Uthappa as coaching overhaul continues

Mumbai Indians have brought Robin Uthappa on board as their new batting coach as the five-time champions continue to reshape their support staff. The appointment follows Kieron Pollard's promotion to head coach and several changes to the coaching setup.Robin Uthappa will now be in MI colours after CSK player stint. Courtesy: PTINew Delhi,Oct 30, 2026 10:19 ISTMumbai Indians have turned to a familiar face from the Indian Premier League as they continue to rebuild their coaching setup ahead of the 2027 season. The five-time champions have appointed former India batter Robin Uthappa as their new batting coach, bringing the experienced campaigner on board.Uthappa is set for a return to Mumbai Indians, nearly two decades after representing the franchise in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, featuring in 14 matches and scoring 320 runs. He will now return to the franchise in a coaching role, bringing with him years of experience across the IPL and international cricket.The former India international also has a strong connection with MI rivals Chennai Super Kings, having represented the franchise in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He played a role in CSK's title-winning campaign in 2021, scoring 115 runs in four matches, including a crucial 63 against Delhi Capitals in the second qualifier. His move to Mumbai's coaching staff adds an interesting twist to his IPL journey, having previously been part of one of their biggest rivals.Uthappa's appointment comes after Kieron Pollard was elevated from batting coach to head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. Mumbai have also parted ways with long-serving bowling coach Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson as the franchise continues its overhaul following a disappointing 2026 campaign. UTHAPPA'S IPL AND INDIA RECORDUthappa brings considerable experience from a long career across international and franchise cricket. He finished his IPL career with 4,952 runs in 205 matches at an average of 27.51 and a strike rate of 130.35. His tally includes 27 half-centuries, with a highest score of 88.One of his finest IPL campaigns came in 2014, when he played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' title-winning season. Uthappa finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 660 runs, winning the Orange Cap. He also contributed to CSK's title triumph in 2021, scoring 115 runs in four matches, including a crucial 63 in the second qualifier against Delhi Capitals. At the international level, Uthappa represented India in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, scoring 934 and 249 runs respectively. He was part of India's victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign and is remembered for his fearless approach at the top of the order, particularly during the early years of T20 cricket.MI CONTINUE COACHING OVERHAULMumbai's latest changes follow a difficult IPL 2026 season, in which they finished ninth and missed out on the playoffs. Pollard's elevation and Uthappa's arrival mark a fresh direction for the franchise as they look to rebuild their support staff and strengthen their squad ahead of the next edition.With Uthappa now returning to the franchise where his IPL journey began, Mumbai will hope his experience across multiple teams, including title-winning spells with KKR and CSK, can bring a fresh perspective to their batting unit.- Ends