Mumbai Indians (MI) have made an important change to their support staff as the five-time IPL champions look to strengthen their setup ahead of the next season. The franchise has added an experienced cricketing figure to its performance structure, with the new appointment set to work closely with the team’s Indian players throughout the year.

The move comes as Mumbai Indians look to address their recent struggles and build a stronger setup away from the IPL season. The new addition has already started working with the franchise and is currently travelling with a group of young players in South Africa.

Mumbai Indians bring in experienced figure for new role

Mumbai Indians have appointed Zubin Bharucha as their director of performance. He will work with the franchise’s Indian players during the off-season and coordinate with the coaching staff to help them achieve their individual performance targets. Bharucha will work alongside MI assistant coach Paras Mhambrey at the franchise’s Mumbai-based facility throughout the year. He has already taken charge of his new assignment and is currently on a South Africa tour with a group of young Mumbai Indians players and Mhambrey.

Bharucha has been involved with the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. A former Mumbai cricketer, he represented the state at age-group level before making his first-class debut in the 1992-93 season. He played 17 first-class matches and 11 List A games before ending his playing career in the 1994-95 season. He later moved into cricket administration and coaching roles, building a reputation for his expertise within Mumbai cricket circles.

Bharucha joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) as team director in 2008 and remained with the franchise until 2015 before spending the 2016 and 2017 seasons with Delhi Daredevils ( now Delhi Capitals) as technical director. He returned to Rajasthan Royals in 2018 as director of cricket and continued in that position until 2025.

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Mumbai Indians aim for stronger performances

The appointment comes at a time when Mumbai Indians are looking to improve their recent IPL record. Despite winning the title five times, the franchise has missed the playoffs in four of the last six editions. Mahela Jayawardene remains the head coach, while Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga serve as batting and bowling coaches respectively.

The latest addition gives the franchise another experienced figure to focus on player development and preparation throughout the year. With work already underway in South Africa, Mumbai Indians will hope the revamped performance structure can help them return to their best in IPL 2027.

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