Mahela Jayawardene has had a great deal of success with the Mumbai Indians. He joined the franchise ahead of the IPL 2017 and delivered a title straight away. After MI failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2018, the franchise bounced back with not one, but two title wins in 2019 and 2020.
However, in the last couple of seasons, the five-time champions have disappointed. While they missed a playoff spot on net run rate last season, they have attained their lowest of lows this season: in IPL 2022, Mumbai have lost all of their first 8 matches.
And although their auction strategies are in question, experts believe that MI have also failed to get the best out of their available squad this year. With that, Mahela Jayawardene’s position has become untenable as MI’s head coach going into the next season.
Here are 5 coaches on the market that Mumbai Indians couple replace Mahela Jayawardene with:
Ravi Shastri
There is perhaps no better man than Ravi Shastri to lift up a down-on-spirit team. Shastri is a great handler of men and their egos and does not shy away from taking bold decisions. Now in the commentary box for IPL 2022, the former India head coach could be asked to coach his home city’s franchise next season. Shastri is an ideal candidate to replace Mahela Jayawardene.
Daniel Vettori
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Daniel Vettori guided RCB to 2016 final and was with the team until a couple of seasons ago in the coaching capacity before they roped in Mike Hesson and Simon Katich. As a coach, Vettori brings in fresh and innovative perspectives having played the format in the latter half of his career. The former Kiwi captain is currently not associated with any franchise and works as an analyst for ESPNcricinfo.
Zaheer Khan
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is highly respected for his eye for talented bowlers and for helping experienced ones regain form and confidence. Zaheer played 10 seasons in the IPL for MI, RCB, and DC before taking up the role of Director of Cricket at Mumbai Indians. If the franchise decides to sack Mahela Jayawardene, they wouldn’t have to look too far then their own setup for another coach.
Gary Kirsten
One of the most decorated coaches in the world, Gary Kirsten has been on the radar of IPL and international teams. India’s 2011 World Cup coach, Kirsten is currently with the Gujarat Titans, however, there are several reports and sources claiming that he will leave the franchise after only one season.
He was recently approached by the ECB for their vacant head coach position. If Kirsten turns down that offer, he could be approached by IPL franchises, especially Mumbai if they look to part ways with Jayawardene, and maybe by even RCB who he has coached previously. Kirsten’s credentials speak for itself.
Simon Katich
Simon Katich has been with two franchises in the last couple of seasons – RCB in 2021 and SRH in 2022 – but both those stints have ended unceremoniously; Katich was so upset with SRH’s decision-makers that he left the franchise right after the 2022 mega-auction.
MI have previously had Ricky Ponting for a couple of seasons in 2015 and 2016, winning the title in 2015. Perhaps bringing back the Aussie flavour in the coaching role might help them build up confidence for the disappointing show of 2022. Simon Katich is also a very good candidate to replace Mahela Jayawardene.
