Former hotshot Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene will take charge of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2017 edition, the Mumbai franchisee announced on Friday evening. The Sri Lankan cricketer, who played for Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Delhi Daredevils in the past, replaces Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting as the chief coach of Mumbai Indians.
The 39-year-old has been the batting consultant of the England cricket team under head coach Trevor Bayliss in the past.
"I am honoured to be chosen as the head coach of a very exciting team which has got a winning mentality embedded to their DNA. I'm looking forward to the next IPL season. Duniya hila denge hum (we will shake the world with our performances)," the 39-year-old mentioned in a video.
Although he might have retired from all formats of international cricket, Jayawardene is still involved in the domestic T20 circuit. He is a part of Bangladesh Premier League side Dhaka Dynamites and is also a part of Pakistan Super League team Karachi Kings.
"I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas," said Jayawardene in a release. "I am looking forward to working with a really talented squad, all the support staff, and the owners to help strengthen the two-time IPL champions.
"Mumbai Indians have the most passionate fan base in the IPL and I have always been wowed by the amazing support the team gets at Wankhede Stadium. In what is a new chapter in my career, I will be striving hard to bring them more on-field success and joy."
