Jayawardene described his appointment as “a new chapter in my career”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has succeeded ex-Australia skipper Ricky Ponting as the Mumbai Indians’ head coach.

Ponting spent four seasons with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise as a player, an advisor under head coach John Wright and as a head coach himself.

Not only was Ponting’s current contract with the team coming to an end, but he is also in the running to become Australia’s temporary Twenty20 coach in February or the country’s chairman of selectors following the resignation of Rod Marsh.

With his playing days behind him, Jayawardene admitted that he is excited to take on the challenges that come with being the Indians’ head coach.

“I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas,” he said. “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.”

Team owner Nita Ambani added: “Jayawardene is an astute figure in the modern era of cricket. He is a perfect role-model for the young Mumbai Indians squad. I am sure our global fans, who have always believed in the team and expects the best, will welcome Mahela to our Mumbai Indians family.”