Among the most high-profile cricket clubs in the world, Mumbai Indians enter IPL 2017 as one of the teams to look out for. Led by Rohit Sharma, the squad contains plenty of game-changers like Jos Buttler, Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga.
However, there are numerous youngsters in their ranks as well which will heighten the importance of the coaching staff. With immense experience in the support team, the local players stand to gain a lot in the overall development of their careers.
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Let us take an in-depth look into Mumbai Indians’ extensive coaching staff who can play a key role in helping the cricketers realise their potential and ultimately progress towards lifting the trophy.
#5 A host of names to cover all bases
Even as the big names occupying the frontline roles garner all the attention in a coaching group, the backroom staff also contribute to the team’s fortunes. Mumbai Indians are well served in this regard with the likes of Nitin Patel, Paul Chapman and CKM Dhananjai adding a lot of value to the set-up.
Having worked with the Indian team for a long duration, physiotherapist Patel knows how to deal with the different types of injuries. Assisting him will be Shyam Sundar Jayapalan. While Dhananjai helps the leadership group come up with specific plans by analysing hours and hours of video footage, Chapman will focus on the players’ training.
Masseur Amit Shah and assistant conditioning coach Afzal Khan assist the cricketers in their rejuvenation processes.
#4 Seasoned coaches set to continue their roles
Even as the head coach oversees the progress of the players, the batting and bowling coaches become vital in ironing out technical flaws. An under-rated utility cricketer in his heydeys, Robin Singh seems to be gaining in stature in his second innings as a coach.
Before joining Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2010 season, he had served as head coach of the now defunct Deccan Chargers. Apart from taking care of the batting department, the former all-rounder also doubles up as one of the two assistant coaches.
Erstwhile New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been in charge of the bowling department since 2015. Upon enduring an injury-filled career, the explosive pacer helped envisage a potent new-ball combination of Tim Southee and Trent Boult in his capacity as bowling coach. India’s domestic veteran Paras Mhambrey will assist him in the Mumbai Indians camp.
#3 In a league of his own
The man who reinvented the art of fielding, Jonty Rhodes will continue his specialised role for the two-time champions. Renowned for regularly saving at least 20 runs every game with his exploits in the inner ring, he played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs for South Africa.
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After retiring from the game in 2003, he worked with Standard Bank as accounts executive and even returned to the Proteas camp as fielding coach. However, he has been with the Mumbai Indians since the inaugural season.
Rhodes shares a special connection with the city as his daughter India Jeanne was born in Santacruz a couple of years back.
#2 An ideal mentor for reinforcing support
Synonymous with the brand of Mumbai Indians, Sachin Tendulkar‘s presence in the dressing room should complement the efforts of the coaching staff. As team mentor, the legendary batsman will ensure that the players are ready to absorb the pressure and meet the various challenges head-on.
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Since the 2008 season, Rahul Sanghvi has been involved in an administrative role with the franchise. He will carry on his association with Mumbai Indians as manager for this edition as well.
Not many might know that the Surat-born 42-year old played 1 Test and 10 ODIs for India in a career spanning from 1998 to 2001.
#1 Jayawardene at the helm of affairs
Having replaced Ricky Ponting at the helm of affairs, iconic Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene will be eager to set the ball rolling from match one. Apart from possessing a sound understanding of subcontinental conditions, he also brings with him years of experience gained from leading his country on the cricket field.
At the height of his career, the right-hander was considered to be one of the shrewdest skippers of the modern era. Since retiring from the game, Jayawardene took on a role as batting consultant for the England team during their Asian sojourn culminating in the 2016 World T20.
The fact that he also played a significant amount of T20 cricket (at the international stage as well as the franchise level) should smoothen his transition to head coach.
Mumbai Indians’ Coaching Staff for 2017 IPL
Head Coach – Mahela Jayawardene
Mentor – Sachin Tendulkar
Assistant & Batting Coach – Robin Singh
Bowling Coach – Shane Bond
Fielding Coach – Jonty Rhodes
Assistant Coach – Paras Mhambrey
Team Manager – Rahul Sanghvi
Trainer – Paul Chapman
Physiotherapist – Nitin Patel
Assistant Physiotherapist – Shyam Sundar Jayapalan
Video Analyst – CKM Dhananjai
Sports Massage Therapist– Amit Shah
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach – Afzal Khan
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