Mahela Jayawardene's cryptic remark as he returns as MI head coach for IPL 2025 retentions: 'Embracing the future'

Mumbai Indians have decided to bring back Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach, the franchise revealed on Sunday. After stepping down from the position in 2022 to take on the role of Global Head of Cricket for the franchise, Jayawardene returns to lead the team once again. Mark Boucher, the ex-South African wicketkeeper-batter, took over the head coach duties for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Jayawardene began his first head coach stint with MI in 2017, helping the side achieve instant success. Alongside Rohit Sharma, Jayawardene formed a formidable duo as they lifted three titles together (2017, 2019, and 2021). The Sri Lankan eventually stepped away from coaching duties after the end of the 2022 season, which saw MI finishing at the bottom of the table with only four wins in 14 matches.

Under Boucher, the side improved from the previous season but failed to reach the final, losing the second playoff match to Gujarat Titans. This followed a tumultuous period for MI, as Hardik Pandya was brought back to the franchise and named captain, replacing five-time champion Rohit Sharma.

The decision caused a furore among the franchise's fanbase, with Hardik being booed throughout MI's opening few matches at the Wankhede Stadium. The negativity surrounding the decision seemed to have an impact on the side's performances too, as it finished a dismal 10th for a second time in three seasons.

‘Look ahead at future’

Jayawardene, in his statement upon his return to the franchise as head coach, insisted that he comes at a time when MI will “look ahead at the future.” The former Sri Lankan captain also likened his return to the time when he first joined the franchise in 2017.

“My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well. Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to,” said Jayawardene.

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