Former World Cup-winner Sandeep Patil returns to Mumbai as mentor

India’s 1983 World Cup winner, Sandeep Patil, makes a long-awaited comeback to Mumbai cricket after being named mentor of the domestic side ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 69-year-old will serve his role for the men’s senior side and all other age-group squads under the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). 

Patil once again begins his association with the MCA after last serving them as the Chair of Selectors in 2016. He was close to returning to the cricket administrative body in October 2022 when he contested the presidential selections, but eventually lost out to the late Amol Kale. This makes it an even more emotional comeback to Mumbai cricket, for whom he made his First-Class debut back in 1975-76.  

“I’m a bit nervous because I’ll be joining MCA [again], as my journey started exactly 50 years back in my 1975-76 first Ranji season, and 50 years later I’m getting this opportunity [as a Team Mentor]. I’m thrilled, I’m excited, but at the same time, there’ll be a lot of pressure because of a lot of expectations. Bombay being the champions for 42 years, it’s a big responsibility. But I’m glad that MCA has given me this opportunity,” Patil told mid-day on Wednesday. I’m yet to start. 1st July I begin my role with MCA officially. Will take things step by step. Let’s see how it works,” Sandeep Patil said to Mid-Day.

Outside of his success on the field as a player, Patil has tremendous goodwill as a coach and administrator. The former all-rounder served as India’s coach in 1996 and had a fruitful time looking after the India A setup, which saw a host of future superstars get the spotlight, including legendary captain MS Dhoni. 

Patil also had a stint with the Kenyan national team during their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where they famously defeated a Sri Lankan outfit comprising Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas and Muthiah Muralidaran.