Jayawardene appointed Mumbai Indians' head coach

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene was on Friday appointed the head coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI).

The 39-year-old, who replaced Ricky Ponting, played for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and now defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the cash-rich league.

"We welcome one of the most elegant & graceful batsmen of the modern era, @MahelaJay as the new Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. #WelcomeMahela," MI wrote on their official Twitter page.

Ponting spent four seasons with the team, the last two as full time head coach.

Jayawardene has rich experience in limited overs cricket, having being part of the winning World T20 2014 Sri Lankan squad and leading the country to the final of 2007 ICC World Cup.

"I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas. 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," Jayawardene said in a statement,

"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," he added.

Jayawardene will soon be traveling to Mumbai to conduct a detailed meeting with the club management and to take charge of his new office.

--IANS

gau/ajb/vt