Mumbai Indians dropped a bombshell by naming Lisa Keightley as their head coach. The Australian legend brings two World Cup winners’ medals to the table. This appointment could be the masterstroke Mumbai needed for another WPL title run.
From Player to Pioneer Coach
Keightley wasn’t just another player back in her day – she was special. The left-handed batter helped Australia capture World Cups in 1997 and 2005. She played 9 Tests and 82 ODIs before hanging up her boots.
But Keightley’s real magic happened after she stopped playing professional cricket. She broke barriers by becoming England women’s first female head coach ever. The Aussie then made waves in various T20 leagues across the globe.
Her recent triumph with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred caught Mumbai’s attention. Keightley guided that team through pressure situations with smart tactics. The franchise owners watched her work and liked what they saw.
Nita Ambani’s Big Gamble
Nita Ambani made this call personally after studying Keightley’s coaching methods carefully. The Mumbai owner believes this Australian can unlock something special in 2026. Ambani has watched her team win two WPL titles already.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Keightley to the Mumbai Indians family. A trailblazer in women’s cricket, Lisa has inspired generations with her passion, expertise, and pioneering spirit. Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Mumbai Indians as we look to scale even greater heights and build on our legacy of excellence,” Nita Ambani said.
Mumbai Indians is currently the defending champions of the WPL with championship victories in 2023 and 2025. But other teams are catching up fast with better squads. The pressure is building for another title defense next year.
What Keightley Brings to Mumbai
The new coach understands pressure cricket better than most people around. She has handled big moments as both player and coach successfully. Keightley knows how to get the best from talented individuals.
“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,” Keightley stated.
She plans to work closely with each player on technical improvements. The coach believes this squad has untapped potential waiting to explode.
