Five times IPL champions Mumbai Indians on Wednesday announced that they have parted ways with bowling coach Shane Bond after an nine-year-long association with the former New Zealand fast bowler.
Bond took charge as the team’s bowling coach in 2015 and was involved in MI’s title triumphs in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 to become one of the most decorated and celebrated coaches in franchise history.
The Rohit Sharma led MI released a statement on their official X account and confirmed the departure of Bond, who has been of the greatest ever bowlers of his generation.
“Mumbai Indians announce that Shane Bond’s successful tenure that began in 2015 has ended after a nine-year stint with the team, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career that included 4 IPL trophies as bowling coach for Mumbai Indians, and Head Coach of MI Emirates in the inaugural season in ILT20,” MI said in a statement.
“Shane’s approach to bowling was that of an artist, able to master the conditions and deliver for the team, as a player, leader and then as a coach,” it added.
The 48-year-old Bond, who was also the head coach for MI Emirates in the inaugural edition of ILT20, said that he has many great memories on and off the field with the franchise.
“I would like to thank the Ambani family for the opportunity to be part of MI One Family for the last nine seasons. It has been an incredible experience with so many great memories on and off the field. I have been lucky enough to work with and have strong relationships with so many great people, both players and staff,” he said.
“I will miss them all and wish them all the best for the future. Finally thanks to the MI Paltan for their support as well,” he added.
The decision from MI and Bond comes after Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga was named as their bowling coach for IPL 2024 in August. Malinga, who retired in 2021, worked with the Rajasthan Royals until IPL 2023 before returning to his ‘MI Family’.