Zubin Bharucha Joins Mumbai Indians as Director of Performance

Zubin Bharucha has joined Mumbai Indians (MI) as the franchise’s new Director of Performance, bringing with him extensive experience from his long association with the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Bharucha, who has been associated with RR since the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, will work closely with Mumbai Indians’ existing multidisciplinary leadership group across various performance-related areas.

According to the franchise, Bharucha will be part of MI’s integrated support staff and will contribute to the team’s established approach towards player development and sustained performance.

Bharucha has been assigned a specific role focused on working with Indian players during the IPL off-season. He will operate alongside MI assistant coach Paras Mhambrey at the franchise’s Mumbai hub throughout the year and coordinate with the coaching staff to establish and achieve individual performance targets for players.

The former Mumbai cricketer has already begun his new responsibilities. Bharucha and Mhambrey are currently accompanying a group of young Mumbai Indians players on a tour of South Africa.

Bharucha began his cricket career in Mumbai, representing the city at age-group level before making his Ranji Trophy debut during the 1992-93 season. He played 17 first-class matches and 11 List A games before making his final appearance in the 1994-95 season.

Highly regarded in Mumbai cricket circles for his knowledge and understanding of the game, Bharucha joined Rajasthan Royals as team director in 2008. He spent two seasons with Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals, as technical director in 2016 and 2017 before returning to Rajasthan Royals in 2018 as their Director of Cricket.

He remained in that position until 2025, making his move to Mumbai Indians a significant change after nearly two decades of involvement with the Royals.

Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, have endured a challenging period in recent seasons. The franchise has missed the playoffs in four of the last six seasons, finishing ninth or tenth on three occasions.

Bharucha will now join an experienced MI support staff that includes head coach Mahela Jayawardene, batting coach Kieron Pollard and bowling coach Lasith Malinga. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the franchise’s focus on player development and performance, particularly among its Indian talent.