Mumbai Indians Part Ways With Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson

Mumbai Indians have parted ways with three members of their men’s coaching staff: bowling coach Lasith Malinga, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Carl Hopkinson. The franchise announced the decision on Thursday, 29 October 2026, ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

In its statement, the franchise thanked the three men for their commitment, contribution and service. The announcement marks one of the biggest changes to the team’s support staff in recent seasons, and it comes as the club prepares for the mini-auction scheduled for 16 December in Goa.

A Wider Coaching Overhaul

The departures are part of a broader reshaping of the franchise. Earlier in October, Mumbai Indians replaced head coach Mahela Jayawardene with Kieron Pollard. The three exits add to that change, leaving the club with a largely new coaching structure heading into the next season.

The changes also follow a difficult 2026 campaign. Mumbai Indians finished ninth in the IPL 2026 table with four wins and ten defeats from 14 league matches. The results put pressure on the coaching group, which the franchise has now reshaped.

Lasith Malinga: The Franchise Icon

Malinga’s departure is the most significant of the three, given his place in the franchise’s history. The former Sri Lankan pacer spent a long playing career with Mumbai Indians, and he was a central figure in the bowling attack during four IPL title-winning campaigns, as well as the 2011 Champions League T20 triumph.

After retiring as a player, Malinga returned to the franchise in a coaching role. He joined the franchise from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2024 as a bowling coach. The franchise’s statement described him as one of the most iconic figures in its history and said his legacy would remain part of the club.

Paras Mhambrey: Two Spells With the Club

Mhambrey was also a bowling coach, and he shared a long association with the franchise. He served the team from 2010 to 2017, then returned later in his career. The franchise credited him with developing and nurturing its bowling talent and with building relationships across the squad.

Carl Hopkinson: International Experience

Hopkinson joined the franchise as fielding coach ahead of IPL 2025, replacing James Pamment. He brought international experience from his time as a fielding coach with the England men’s team and, previously, with Ireland.

Coaching Roles at a Glance

What the Franchise Said

Mumbai Indians thanked all three men in a short statement. The club said Malinga had been “an integral part of the Mumbai Indians family” and that his legacy would remain an important part of the franchise. It also thanked Mhambrey and Hopkinson for their contributions to the team and the wider family.

What Comes Next

The franchise now faces the task of rebuilding its coaching group before the IPL 2027 season. The franchise will need to fill these roles, and the mini-auction in December will shape the squad those coaches will work with. How quickly the club fills these roles will be closely watched by fans, as the franchise seeks to return to the top of the table after a difficult 2026 season.

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