Mumbai Indians are preparing for a fresh start, and new batting coach Robin Uthappa has made it clear that rebuilding the team's reputation will be a major priority. The five-time IPL champions endured a difficult 2025 campaign, finishing ninth in the 10-team competition, and bottom of the table two seasons prior. Now, the former India batter wants the franchise to rediscover its competitive edge, and prove that its threat extends well beyond home conditions.

Uthappa Wants MI To Dominate Away From Home

Uthappa believes the team cannot rely solely on its formidable record at the Wankhede Stadium.

For him, the bigger ambition is to make Mumbai Indians a side that opponents fear regardless of where an IPL fixture takes place.

Speaking in an interview on MI's YouTube channel, Uthappa acknowledged that the team has work to do to regain the confidence of its supporters.

"Today, we find ourselves back in that similar situation right now where the trust of the fans need to be earned again. We come in again as underdogs. it's been one full cycle, and we're back to where we started again, which is nice,"

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Mumbai have traditionally enjoyed strong support and success at the Wankhede, but Uthappa wants that home-ground advantage to translate into performances across the country.

He believes the side should carry the same intensity and belief into away matches, ensuring rival teams face an equally difficult challenge when hosting the Mumbai outfit.

"We’re a force to reckon with at home. I want to take that same emotion, that same energy to every venue away from home."

He also wants the opposition to experience the pressure associated with facing Mumbai Indians, irrespective of the venue.

"My goal would be to make sure that that sense of intimidation that teams feel when they come to Mumbai Indians, to the Paltan, I want them to feel that same intimidation when we go away from home as well."

Mumbai Indians Look To Turn The Page

As mentioned earlier, franchise's ninth-place finish in 2025 followed another disappointing campaign two years earlier, when Mumbai ended the season at the bottom of the table under Hardik Pandya.

There have also been changes in the coaching setup.

Mahela Jayawardene recently stepped away from the head coach position, with franchise great Kieron Pollard taking over the responsibility.

Uthappa has now joined the support staff as batting coach, with the task of helping Mumbai build a stronger batting unit and restore belief among the fans.