Mumbai: Mumbai Indians have announced changes to their men’s team coaching setup, confirming that Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson will be moving on from their respective roles with the franchise.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise thanked the three coaches for their commitment and contributions, acknowledging their roles in strengthening the team’s bowling and fielding departments over the years.
Malinga, one of the most recognisable figures in Mumbai Indians’ history, played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success as a player before returning as a mentor and coach. Mhambrey had two stints with the team, while Hopkinson joined ahead of the 2025 season, bringing international experience from his work with the England men’s team.
The announcement comes ahead of preparations for the 2027 IPL season, with franchises also gearing up for the upcoming mini-auction.
Lasith Malinga’s legacy with Mumbai Indians
Malinga has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians family and played a defining role in the franchise’s rise as one of the IPL’s most successful teams.
The former Sri Lankan fast bowler spearheaded Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack during several successful campaigns, contributing to four IPL title triumphs and the team’s 2011 Champions League T20 victory.
Known for his distinctive bowling action and effectiveness at the death, Malinga became one of the franchise’s most influential performers. His ability to deliver under pressure made him a key figure in Mumbai Indians’ bowling plans across multiple seasons.
After his playing career with the franchise, Malinga returned in a mentoring and coaching capacity, continuing his association with the team and sharing his experience with its bowlers.
Mumbai Indians acknowledged his passion, competitive spirit and commitment, stating that his legacy would remain an important part of the franchise’s history.
Paras Mhambrey’s two stints with the franchise
Mhambrey also shared a long association with Mumbai Indians, serving the team from 2010 to 2017 before returning in 2024.
Across his two stints, he brought coaching experience, dedication and a deep understanding of the franchise’s culture. The team credited him with contributing to the development and nurturing of its bowling talent.
His work involved supporting bowlers and helping build the team’s resources in the bowling department. Mumbai Indians also recognised the professional relationships he developed during his association with the franchise.
The decision marks the end of a coaching relationship that spanned several phases of the team’s development.
Carl Hopkinson brought England experience
Hopkinson joined Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2025 season, bringing experience from his time with the England men’s team.
During his tenure, he contributed to the franchise’s fielding preparations and standards. Mumbai Indians praised his professionalism, expertise and efforts to improve the team’s fielding performance.
His departure, alongside those of Malinga and Mhambrey, signals a change in the coaching setup as the franchise looks ahead to the next IPL campaign.
The franchise did not announce details of replacements in the statement cited in the report.
IPL 2027 mini-auction scheduled for December 16
Meanwhile, the IPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. The day-long event is set to be held nearly a month after the November 15 retention deadline communicated to franchises.
The auction date coincides with the second One-Day International between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played in Bengaluru.
The mini-auction will give franchises an opportunity to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2027 season. Teams will assess their existing combinations, retention decisions and available funds before finalising their auction strategies.
Two trades reported during IPL transfer window
The IPL trade window has already seen two player trades since the conclusion of the 2026 season.
In June, Lucknow Super Giants traded their captain Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals in exchange for wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
More recently, Delhi Capitals traded fast bowler T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for uncapped leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.
These transactions could influence how the teams approach the mini-auction, particularly as franchises look to address gaps in their squads and balance their bowling options.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the next season as defending champions after winning the 2026 IPL final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The Bengaluru-based franchise successfully defended its title, setting the stage for another competitive season in 2027.
With the retention deadline approaching and the mini-auction scheduled for December, the coming weeks are expected to be important for franchises as they finalise squad plans and coaching arrangements.