Trinidad and Tobago hails Kieron Pollard's appointment as Mumbai Indians head coach

Sport Minister Phillip Watts calls the appointment a proud achievement for the country, as Pollard steps up from batting coach for the 2027 IPL season.

By SKN Daily StaffTuesday, 27 October 20261 min read

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts has praised Kieron Pollard's appointment as head coach of the Mumbai Indians for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, calling it a proud achievement for the country.

"Trinidad and Tobago does not just produce talent to compete internationally; we develop leaders who help shape the global stage," Watts said.

The appointment was announced days after the franchise parted ways with former head coach Mahela Jayawardene.

From player to head coach

"His journey with the Mumbai Indians, from an influential player to batting coach and now head coach, reflects the confidence the franchise has placed in his experience, cricketing knowledge and leadership," Watts said.

Pollard, 39, was part of all five of the Mumbai Indians' IPL title-winning campaigns, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Between 2010 and 2022 he played 189 matches for the franchise, scoring 3,412 runs and taking 69 wickets, before becoming batting coach after the 2022 season.

Watts said Pollard's journey should encourage young people to look at opportunities beyond playing, and showed that Trinidad and Tobago's small size should never limit its people's ambitions.

"His journey speaks to the value of discipline, perseverance, and a sustained commitment to excellence, qualities we must continue to nurture in the next generation," he said.

Pollard's response

Pollard said he was enthusiastic about the role.

"It is an honour to take on the role of head coach of Mumbai Indians. MI has been a huge part of my life and career, and the bond I share with this team, the players and the Paltan means a great deal to me," he said.

He said his time as player and batting coach had given him insight into the franchise's expectations. "I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff, building on the team's legacy, helping our talent grow and giving the Paltan many more reasons to celebrate," he said.