On October 29, 2026, the Mumbai Indians announced that Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson would be leaving their positions as men’s team coaches. This announcement represents a significant change in the support staff at one of the most legendary teams in the Indian Premier League.
Following the appointment of former player Kieron Pollard as head coach in lieu of the departing Mahela Jayawardene, the team underwent a significant internal makeover. The Mumbai Indians would like to express their sincere appreciation to Lasith Malinga, Paras, and Carl for their contributions to the team and the larger MI community.
Their dedication, the connections they have made, and the memories they have contributed to will always be a part of our journey. The franchise released a statement saying, “We wish each of them the very best in their future endeavors.”
Why are Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson departing the Mumbai Indians?
The Mumbai Indians have not made the reasons for any of the three departures public, but their choice is related to the team’s recent poor performance. The team that has won the IPL Trophy a record five times over the past three years has only made it to the playoffs once, finishing between 10th and 9th.
Following Hardik Pandya’s turbulent return in a trade deal in 2024, there is still conjecture regarding the captaincy picture. Although Pandya was named team captain, the team has only made it to the playoffs once in three seasons under the star all-rounder.
One of the most recognizable individuals in Mumbai Indians’ history is Lasith Malinga. Before retiring in 2021, the legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler played for the team for 11 years, making 139 appearances and taking 195 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12.
MI won four IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 thanks in large part to Lasith’s leadership of their bowling attack. In 2011, he was instrumental in the team’s Champions League T20 victory. In 2018, he mentored MI before rejoining the team as a bowling coach.
Paras Mhambrey had a lengthy and cherished relationship with the Mumbai Indians during two distinct periods, the first from 2010 to 2017 and the second after his return in 2024. He was a member of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup. Prior to the 2025 season, Carl Hopkinson joined the Mumbai Indians.
He had been England’s fielding coach since 2018 and had been a member of the team that helped England win the T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ODI World Cup in 2019.
