Mumbai Indians Announce New Head Coach Ahead Of WPL 2026

Mumbai Indians (MI), the reigning champions of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), have officially appointed Lisa Keightley as their new head coach ahead of the much-anticipated WPL 2026 season. The former Australian international and two-time World Cup winner steps into the high-profile role following the departure of Charlotte Edwards, who recently took over as the head coach of the England Women’s national team.

This move marks the beginning of a new era for the Mumbai Indians’ women’s setup, with Keightley expected to bring a wealth of experience, innovation, and a fresh perspective as the team aims for a record third WPL title.

Lisa Keightley: A Cricketing Veteran with Championship Pedigree

Playing Career

Lisa Keightley’s cricket journey began with distinction. Representing Australia Women between 1995 and 2005, she played:

9 Test matches
82 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

A classy right-hand batter, Keightley was an integral part of the Australian squads that won the 1997 and 2005 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and her cricketing intelligence made her a valued member of the side.

Coaching Career

Post-retirement, Keightley seamlessly transitioned into coaching, becoming one of the few women to hold top-level coaching roles across major teams and formats globally. Her coaching journey includes:

Australia Women (Assistant Coach)
England Women (Head Coach, 2019–2022)
Sydney Thunder (WBBL)
London Spirit (The Hundred)

Keightley was the first woman to be appointed head coach of England Women, and under her guidance, England remained a top-four team in the world, reaching the 2022 World Cup final. Known for her focus on youth development, tactical sharpness, and calm leadership, Keightley is lauded as one of the most respected figures in women’s cricket today.

MI’s Reign Under Charlotte Edwards: Laying the Foundation

Under the leadership of Charlotte Edwards, Mumbai Indians not only clinched the inaugural WPL title in 2023 but also retained their crown in WPL 2025, defeating Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final. The team has earned a reputation for clinical execution, formidable depth, and winning under pressure.

Edwards brought structure, experience, and a laser-sharp mindset that helped MI Women evolve into a powerhouse. Her departure leaves big shoes to fill, but Keightley’s arrival suggests that MI is looking not just to maintain the momentum but to reach new peaks.

Mumbai Indians’ Vision for WPL 2026

In their official statement, Mumbai Indians highlighted the strategic vision behind Keightley’s appointment:

“Lisa brings a championship-winning mindset, a sharp eye for young talent, and international coaching experience. Her presence will enhance our culture, boost player development, and help us chase our third WPL title.”

The franchise’s focus appears clear—retain dominance, innovate in strategy, and deepen the talent pipeline. With WPL becoming a premier stage for women’s cricket, MI is poised to stay ahead of the curve.

Keightley’s First Reaction: “An Honour to Join Mumbai Indians”

Lisa Keightley shared her thoughts after the announcement, expressing her pride and excitement:

“It’s an honour to join the Mumbai Indians, a team that has set the benchmark in the WPL. The culture of excellence and care is something I deeply admire. I look forward to working with this talented group to build on our success and continue inspiring on and off the field.”

Her emphasis on culture, player development, and sustained excellence reflects her alignment with MI’s long-term goals.

What Keightley Brings to MI’s Women’s Team

1. Experience Across Formats

Keightley’s versatility as a coach across red-ball, white-ball, and franchise cricket is rare. Her time in the WBBL and The Hundred will serve her well in navigating the tactical and mental demands of the WPL.

2. Player Development and Youth Focus

She is known for nurturing emerging talent—something that resonates with MI’s philosophy. Expect youngsters in the MI squad to benefit from her emphasis on skill development and mental preparation.

3. Tactical Flexibility

Lisa is admired for her ability to adjust game plans based on opposition strengths and match conditions. This dynamic approach could introduce a new layer of unpredictability in MI’s game.

4. Calm, Composed Leadership

In contrast to some high-voltage coaching styles, Keightley is known for being measured and calm—a trait that often brings clarity during pressure situations.

Mumbai Indians’ Core for WPL 2026

While the WPL 2026 auction is still a few months away, MI is likely to retain their core group, including:

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Yastika Bhatia
Amelia Kerr
Issy Wong
Saika Ishaque

This core already features a balance of international firepower and local talent. With Keightley’s arrival, one can expect the team to evolve tactically while continuing to provide opportunities for rising stars.

The Road to a Historic WPL Hat-trick

Having won the title in 2023 and 2025, MI Women now aim for a historic third crown. No team has yet managed to win three titles in the short but highly competitive history of WPL.

With Lisa Keightley now at the helm, expectations are higher than ever. The journey to a three-peat will test the squad’s adaptability, hunger, and resilience—but with her championship experience and the resources of one of cricket’s most successful franchises, the dream is well within reach.

Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz

The news of Keightley’s appointment has sparked enthusiastic reactions:

Cricket pundits view this as a masterstroke by MI, blending international coaching pedigree with a franchise culture rooted in results.
Fans are eager to see how the team’s playing style evolves under Keightley’s guidance.
Players—current and former—have applauded the move, highlighting MI’s consistent commitment to leadership excellence.

A New Dawn, Same Ambition

The appointment of Lisa Keightley signifies continuity and ambition—a franchise unwilling to rest on past laurels. With her global expertise and player-first approach, Keightley is well-placed to elevate MI Women even further.

As the countdown to WPL 2026 begins, the spotlight will remain firmly on how this new partnership unfolds. If history is anything to go by, Mumbai Indians, under Lisa Keightley, are not just aiming to compete—they’re aiming to conquer.

Stay tuned for the WPL 2026 auction analysis, squad updates, exclusive interviews, and tactical breakdowns only on our WPL Insider series.

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