As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a significant move by appointing England’s Carl Hopkinson as their new fielding coach. This marks an exciting development for the franchise, known for its successful track record, including four IPL titles in the last six years. Hopkinson’s arrival signals a fresh chapter for MI as they look to reclaim their dominance in the league.
Carl Hopkinson: A World-Class Fielding Coach with a Winning Legacy
Carl Hopkinson, popularly known as “Hoppo,” brings a wealth of experience to Mumbai Indians. His impressive resume includes pivotal roles in England’s triumphs in the 2019 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. As England’s fielding coach during these two historic victories, Hopkinson played a key role in refining the team’s fielding techniques, which contributed significantly to their success.
In addition to his work with England’s senior teams, Hopkinson was also the head fielding coach for the England U-19 team during the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Under his guidance, the young England side reached the final and finished as runners-up—a remarkable achievement as they had not made it to the final since 1998.
Hopkinson replaces James Pamment, who served as Mumbai Indians’ fielding coach for seven years. Pamment’s tenure saw MI clinch two IPL titles (2019 and 2020), and the franchise thanked him for his invaluable contributions. The move signifies a shift towards a new era, with Hopkinson bringing his expertise to help MI restore their title-winning fortunes.
Mumbai Indians’ New Coaching Line-Up for IPL 2025
Alongside Carl Hopkinson, Mumbai Indians have overhauled their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2025. The most notable change is the reappointment of Mahela Jayawardene as the team’s head coach. Jayawardene, a former Sri Lankan cricketer and MI’s former coach, replaces Mark Boucher, who has moved on to other commitments. The experienced Jayawardene is expected to bring continuity and leadership as MI aims to return to the top of the IPL standings.
The team has also signed Paras Mhambrey as the new bowling coach. Mhambrey, a former Indian cricketer, will work alongside MI’s bowling legend Lasith Malinga, helping develop a formidable bowling attack for the upcoming season. This revamped coaching staff is expected to provide the ideal environment for MI’s players to excel.
Mumbai Indians’ Squad for IPL 2025: Key Signings and Players to Watch
Mumbai Indians have made several strategic acquisitions ahead of the 2025 season, ensuring a well-balanced squad. One of the biggest signings is pacer Deepak Chahar, who has been bought for a whopping ₹9.25 crore. Chahar, known for his swing bowling, will strengthen MI’s pace attack alongside seasoned campaigners like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
Other notable signings include English all-rounder Will Jacks, explosive South African pacer Reece Topley, and the talented Kiwi spinner Mitchell Santner, who previously played for Chennai Super Kings. Santner’s addition bolsters MI’s spin department, adding depth and versatility to their bowling attack.
With Hardik Pandya continuing as the team’s captain, Mumbai Indians have retained their core players, including stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. Their experience, combined with the new talent, gives MI the right mix of youth and experience to challenge for the title in IPL 2025.
Full Squad for IPL 2025
Here’s a look at the full Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025:
- Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ryan Rickelton, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (captain), Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Bevon Jacobs, Raj Angad Bawa, Arjun Tendulkar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Lasith Malinga, Will Jacks, Allah Ghazanfar, Krishnan Shrijith, Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthur
The Road Ahead for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025
Despite finishing 10th in IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians remain one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history. With a new coaching staff, an exciting squad, and the leadership of Hardik Pandya, MI will aim to bounce back and reclaim their position at the top of the IPL standings.
The arrival of Carl Hopkinson as fielding coach is expected to further elevate MI’s fielding standards, which have been a cornerstone of their success in the past. As the 2025 season unfolds, Mumbai Indians’ fans are hopeful that the team’s revamped structure, along with its new acquisitions, will lead to another title challenge.
Stay tuned as Mumbai Indians prepare for a thrilling IPL 2025 season with a squad full of talent, experience, and ambition.
