Jayawardene replaces Boucher as MI head coach (Image Credit:- X)

Mahela Jayawardene returns as head coach of Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2025. He replaces former South African wicket keeper batter March Boucher who held the head coach role during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Jayawardene left the head coach role of Mumbai Indians in 2022 to become the franchise’s Global Head of Cricket, overseeing the expansion of Mumbai Indian’s global teams across different leagues.

Also Read:- Mahmudullah announces retirement from T20Is after India series

Along with Rohit Sharma , Jayawardene lifted the IPL title for Mumbai Indians thrice in 2017 , 2019 and 2021. In his last season as Mumbai Indians head coach they finished at the bottom of the table with just 4 wins from 14 matches.

“My journey with 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,” Jayawardene said.

Also Read:- Sanath Jayasuriya named Srilanka head coach

“We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians. With our global teams having found their footing with their ecosystems, the opportunity to bring him back to MI arose. His leadership , knowledge and passion for the game have always benefited MI,” Akash Ambani owner of the franchise said.

Paras Mhambrey , former India bowling coach also returns to the Mumbai Indians team for the next IPL season as bowling coach.