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'Mumbai Indians Glory Days Back':  Netizens React To Jayawardene's Return As MI Head Coach

Mahela Jayawardene retained as MI head coach ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction (@mufaddal_vohra/X.com)Mahela Jayawardene retained as MI head coach ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction (@mufaddal_vohra/X.com)

The cricketing world was taken by surprise when Mumbai Indians (MI), announced the return of Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach, thus sacking Mark Boucher. After a 2024 IPL season where they finished last on the table, fans of the franchise are optimistic that Jayawardene’s return signals a resurgence in MI’s fortunes.

Mumbai Indians’ tenure under Mark Boucher’s mentorship as head coach was tumultuous and extremely controversial. He came under fire for orchestrating Rohit Sharma’s sacking as captain to appoint Hardik Pandya as his replacement. 

However, the move backfired as not only the fans were disappointed with the transition but the team also finished at the bottom of the points table in 2024 IPL edition, leading to widespread criticism.

Mahela Jayawardene retained as MI's head coach

Hence, to salvage the damage, Mumbai Indians’ ownership took a bold call to replace Boucher with Mahela Jayawardene as MI’s head coach ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Mahela Jayawardene, who previously served as head coach from 2017 to 2021, was instrumental in leading MI to three IPL titles during that span, including triumphs in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Naturally, fans are happy and hopeful that with Jayawardene at the helm again, MI can restore stability and once again compete for the championship.





Notably, after Mark Boucher replaced him as head coach, Jayawardene was promoted to a broader role within the franchise as Global Head of Performance in 2022. Hence, he is well-versed in MI’s internal culture and has the backing of the franchise’s leadership. 

Moreover, his proven ability to guide the team to success, coupled with the potential fresh strategies he may bring, has generated a renewed sense of optimism among the fanbase, especially with a mega auction around the corner.