Sri Lankan batting legend Mahela Jayawardene has been appointed as the new head coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians, the franchise announced on Friday.
We welcome one of the most elegant & graceful batsmen of the modern era, @MahelaJay as the new Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. #WelcomeMahela pic.twitter.com/wFlulxw4iM
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 18, 2016
Jayawardene, the 39-year-old replaces Ricky Ponting, who spent four successful seasons at the helm of the team – both as player in an advisory role under head coach John Wright and then later as full-time head coach.
Ponting, who dropped himself out from the squad during the sixth season of the IPL following the side’s weak performance, made way for Rohit Sharma, who led the side for the remaining part of the season and helped them clinched their first title.
Jayawardene, an architect of Sri Lanka’s batting during his days, brings a pack of knowledge and technique to achieve heights in the sub-continent conditions. The former Sri Lankan skipper earlier served as the batting consultant for England, when they toured Pakistan for a bilateral series in the UAE.
As a player, Mahela played for three franchises in IPL – Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers and Delhi Daredevils.