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Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene has ended his second stint as head coach of five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians after two seasons in charge, with the franchise confirming his departure on Saturday.
The 49-year-old returned to the role ahead of the 2025 season, having previously coached Mumbai Indians from 2017 to 2022. During his first stint, Jayawardene guided the franchise to three IPL titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
"Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years. His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us," MI owner Nita Ambani said in a statement.
Jayawardene expressed gratitude to the franchise and its owners for their support, reflecting on his long association with the team.
He returned as head coach ahead of the 2025 season, replacing Mark Boucher, after serving as Mumbai Indians' global head of performance from 2022 to 2024.
"On behalf of the entire MI family, I want to thank Mahela for his immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years.
"We will always cherish the journey we have shared and the memories we have created together. Mahela will always be a part of our OneFamily, and we wish him every happiness and success in the journey ahead."
Jayawardene also oversaw the franchise's other teams, including MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in Major League Cricket and MI Cape Town in the SA20.
Mumbai Indians finished fourth in the 2025 IPL before losing Qualifier 2. Their campaign in 2026 was less successful, with the five-time champions finishing ninth.
The franchise will now have to find a new head coach with less than a month remaining before the November 15 IPL retention deadline.
The auction is expected to take place around mid-December in Goa.
The 49-year-old returned to the role ahead of the 2025 season, having previously coached Mumbai Indians from 2017 to 2022. During his first stint, Jayawardene guided the franchise to three IPL titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
"Mahela has made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over the years. His calm leadership, integrity and deep love for the game have meant so much to us," MI owner Nita Ambani said in a statement.
Jayawardene expressed gratitude to the franchise and its owners for their support, reflecting on his long association with the team.
He returned as head coach ahead of the 2025 season, replacing Mark Boucher, after serving as Mumbai Indians' global head of performance from 2022 to 2024.
"On behalf of the entire MI family, I want to thank Mahela for his immense contribution and unwavering commitment over the years.
"We will always cherish the journey we have shared and the memories we have created together. Mahela will always be a part of our OneFamily, and we wish him every happiness and success in the journey ahead."
Jayawardene also oversaw the franchise's other teams, including MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in Major League Cricket and MI Cape Town in the SA20.
Mumbai Indians finished fourth in the 2025 IPL before losing Qualifier 2. Their campaign in 2026 was less successful, with the five-time champions finishing ninth.
The franchise will now have to find a new head coach with less than a month remaining before the November 15 IPL retention deadline.
The auction is expected to take place around mid-December in Goa.
