Sandeep Patil named Mumbai cricket mentor for 2026/27 season
Synopsis
The Mumbai Cricket Association has handed 1983 World Cup winner Sandeep Patil the mentor's role for all men's teams in 2026/27 — a signal that Mumbai is serious about rebuilding its cricketing pipeline. Alongside, former India cricketer Arundhati Ghosh joins as Women's Tournament Coordinator, marking a rare dual structural push for both men's and women's cricket in the same announcement.
Key Takeaways
Sandeep Patil appointed mentor for Mumbai 's men's cricket teams across all levels for the 2026/27 domestic season .
Patil played 29 Tests and 45 ODIs for India ( 1980–1986 ) and was part of the 1983 ODI World Cup winning squad.
His role covers player development, tactical education, talent identification, leadership mentoring, and match reviews.
Former India cricketer Arundhati Ghosh (8 Tests, 11 ODIs) named Women's Tournament Coordinator to strengthen Mumbai's women's cricket ecosystem.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik and Secretary Prof.
Unmesh Khanvilkar both cited a broader commitment to building a robust support structure for the season.
Former India cricketer Sandeep Patil has been appointed as mentor for Mumbai's men's cricket teams across all levels for the 2026/27 domestic season, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed on Wednesday, 24 June. The move is part of a broader structural overhaul aimed at strengthening Mumbai's cricketing pipeline ahead of the new season.
Patil's Role and Responsibilities
Patil, who represented India in 29 Tests and 45 ODIs between 1980 and 1986 and was part of the historic 1983 ODI World Cup winning squad, will bring his considerable experience to bear across the MCA's men's setups. His mandate covers strategic guidance, technical coaching input, leadership development, and motivational support for both players and coaching staff.
Beyond the dressing room, Patil's scope extends to player development, tactical education, match reviews, talent identification, and active participation in preparatory camps and tournaments — making this a hands-on role rather than a ceremonial one.
What the MCA Said
MCA President Ajinkya Naik underscored the significance of the appointment. 'The appointment of Sandeep Patil as Mentor will greatly benefit our players and coaching staff. His vast experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his deep understanding of Mumbai cricket, will help nurture the next generation of cricketers,' Naik said.
MCA Secretary Prof. Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar framed the move within a wider institutional commitment. 'The Association remains committed to providing the best possible support structure for its players. These appointments, along with the coaching and support staff announced for the season, will contribute significantly towards the development and success of Mumbai cricket,' he said.
Women's Cricket Gets a Boost Too
In a parallel development, the MCA has appointed former India cricketer Arundhati Ghosh as Women's Tournament Coordinator — a newly defined role aimed at streamlining the women's cricket ecosystem across Mumbai. Ghosh, who played 8 Tests and 11 ODIs for India, will oversee the planning and execution of women's tournaments, local leagues, selection trials, and specialised camps.
She will also collaborate closely with players, coaches, selectors, and MCA administration to drive developmental initiatives. 'We are equally delighted to welcome Arundhati Ghosh as Women's Tournament Coordinator as we continue our efforts to expand and strengthen women's cricket across our jurisdiction,' Naik added.
Why These Appointments Matter
Mumbai cricket carries unmatched domestic pedigree — the city has produced more Ranji Trophy titles than any other state — but recent seasons have seen renewed competition from emerging cricketing centres. Bringing in a World Cup winner as mentor signals the MCA's intent to re-energise its talent ecosystem at a time when domestic cricket is increasingly being used as a proving ground for India's expanding international calendar. With both men's and women's structures now reinforced, Mumbai heads into the 2026/27 season with a more layered support framework than in recent years.
Point of View
But the proof will be in the structure around the role. Mumbai cricket's recent domestic record has been inconsistent despite a deep talent pool, and a mentor's influence is only as effective as the access and authority the association actually grants him. The simultaneous appointment of Arundhati Ghosh as Women's Tournament Coordinator is the more quietly significant move — women's cricket in Mumbai has historically been under-resourced relative to the men's game, and a dedicated coordinator role, if empowered with real budget and decision-making authority, could shift that. Whether these are substantive appointments or goodwill gestures will become clear once the season begins.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sandeep Patil and why has he been appointed Mumbai cricket mentor?
Sandeep Patil is a former India cricketer who played 29 Tests and 45 ODIs between 1980 and 1986 and was a member of the 1983 ODI World Cup winning team. The Mumbai Cricket Association appointed him mentor for the 2026/27 domestic season to provide strategic guidance, technical expertise, and leadership development across all men's teams.
What will Sandeep Patil do as Mumbai cricket mentor?
Patil's responsibilities include player development, tactical education, leadership mentoring, match reviews, talent identification, and active involvement during preparatory camps and tournaments. He will support both players and coaching staff across all MCA men's teams.
Who is Arundhati Ghosh and what is her new role at the MCA?
Arundhati Ghosh is a former India women's cricketer who played 8 Tests and 11 ODIs. The MCA has appointed her as Women's Tournament Coordinator for the 2026/27 season, with responsibility for planning and executing women's tournaments, local leagues, selection trials, and specialised camps.
Which season do these MCA appointments cover?
Both appointments — Sandeep Patil as men's mentor and Arundhati Ghosh as Women's Tournament Coordinator — are for the 2026/27 domestic cricket season, as announced by the MCA on 24 June.
What did MCA President Ajinkya Naik say about the appointments?
MCA President Ajinkya Naik said Patil's 'vast experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his deep understanding of Mumbai cricket, will help nurture the next generation of cricketers.' He also welcomed Ghosh's appointment as part of the MCA's ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen women's cricket.
