On October 18, Mumbai Indians officially ended their successful 9-year collaboration with coach Shane Bond. The former New Zealand fast bowler, who joined the team in 2015, played a pivotal role in nurturing the bowling talents of the five-time Indian Premier League champions.
Bond, who also served as the head coach of MI Emirates in the inaugural ILT20, departed as Lasith Malinga took over the role of bowling coach for IPL 2024 in August.
“Mumbai Indians announce that Shane Bond’s successful tenure, which started in 2015, has ended after a 9-year stint with the team,” the IPL franchise’s announcement said.
Throughout his tenure, Mumbai Indians clinched titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, establishing Bond as one of the franchise’s most celebrated coaches. Players such as Jasprit Bumrah credited Bond for shaping the early stages of their fast-bowling careers.
In his parting note, Bond expressed gratitude to the Ambani family, players, and fans.
“I’d want to express my gratitude to the Ambani family for giving me the chance to be a member of MI One Family for the past nine seasons. With so many wonderful experiences both on and off the field, it has been an amazing experience. I’ve had the good fortune to work and develop close bonds with a lot of wonderful people, players, and staff. All of them will be missed, and I hope the best for them in the future. Finally, I want to thank MI Paltan for their assistance,” the former Kiwi pacer said.