Dravid says no to MI coaching job to focus on sons’ careers; Morgan and Gilchrist not interested in MI gig- Report

Mahela Jayawardene lead MI to three IPL titles in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid, who led the Men in Blue to the 2024 T20 World Cup win, has reportedly said no to the Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach job. This comes after MI and Mahela Jayawardene parted ways recently, bringing an end to an association that brought three IPL titles.

Hailing his significant contribution, Nita Ambani said, "His calm leadership, integrity, and deep love for the game have meant so much to us."

The former Sri Lanka captain said, "I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and will always carry a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team every success in the years ahead."

There was intense speculation that Dravid could take over the coaching job from Jayawardene, but he has ruled himself out, at least for another season.

“He wants to focus on his family and his sons’ (Samit and Anvay) careers,” said a source as per Cricbuzz.

After leaving the Rajasthan Royals before the 2026 season, Dravid was inundated with offers, but he has persistently avoided the allure of the IPL's wealth. He might be prepared to return at some point, but it won't be the next season.

This also applies to Eoin Morgan of England and Adam Gilchrist of Australia, both of whom have been identified as potential contenders. However, neither is available, and they are thought to have informed the IPL management of this.

It is believed that the Mumbai Indians administrators have given the new coach the authority to determine whether to keep the other members of the current support staff, including Carl Hopkinson (fielding), Kieron Pollard (batting), and Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey (bowling). Their contracts are either about to expire in a few months or have already expired.

Mike Hussey, who recently left the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach job, has made contact with IPL teams; it wouldn't be shocking if he also got in touch with MI management. According to reports, Hussey declined an invitation to join Stephen Fleming's England team and may be considering a position in Australia instead. He is reportedly willing to take on another IPL role, though.

South Africa’s Adrian Birrell and Australia’s Aaron Finch are also potential interests, with Birrell being the most sought-after coach on the T20 circuit. He has guided Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three titles and four finals in four SA20 seasons and also led Sunrisers Leeds Women to the final of The Hundred earlier this year.

Birrell is also the head coach of Sharjah Warriorz in the ILT20, but he is apparently not interested in moving to an IPL franchise.

Finch, Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup-winning captain, is thought to have had discussions with a few IPL teams, though it's unclear at this time if he has spoken to MI. However, a number of IPL teams, including MI, are keeping an eye on Hussey, Birrell, and Finch.

(Cricbuzz inputs)