Lisa Keightley, the renowned former Australian opening batter and a two-time World Cup champion, has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), taking over from Charlotte Edwards.
This major move comes at a pivotal moment for the Mumbai Indians, already recognised as the WPL’s most successful franchise with two titles in three seasons, ushering in a fresh era under Keightley’s guidance while Edwards coaches the England Women’s national side.
Mumbai Indians’ decision to secure Lisa Keightley, a legend with World Cup victories in 1997 and 2005, reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence. Nita M. Ambani, the Mumbai Indians’ owner, captured the sentiment by stating, “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 the Mumbai Indians as we look to scale even greater heights and build on our legacy of excellence.”
Keightley’s arrival not only underscores the franchise’s ambition but also reinforces their culture of nurturing world-class talent and winning mindsets.
Keightley brings a truly global coaching resume to Mumbai, with successful stints leading the Australian and England women’s national teams, and a celebrated tenure as the first woman to serve as England’s full-time head coach.
Her franchise experience is equally impressive; she’s guided teams in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), the Women’s Hundred, and the WPL itself. Just last month, she guided the Northern Superchargers to their maiden women’s title in The Hundred, underlining her tactical acumen and winning mentality.
“It’s an honour to join the Mumbai Indians, a team that has set the benchmark in the WPL,” Keightley reflected. “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.”
A stylish and reliable opener in her playing days, Lisa Keightley represented Australia in 9 Test matches, 82 ODIs, and 1 T20I, assembling an illustrious record that earned her global respect. She amassed 2,630 ODI runs at a striking average of 39.84 across 78 innings, decorated by 21 half-centuries and four centuries.
Among her most memorable performances is an unbeaten 156 off 147 balls against Pakistan in Melbourne, 1997, a knock that powered Australia to a commanding 374-run victory and spotlighted her class as a batter.
Her all-round abilities shone through with the ball as well, snaring 8 wickets at an average of just 10.87 and an economy of 3.48 in ODIs, including a memorable four-wicket haul. In Test matches, Keightley’s consistency was reflected in 378 runs at a strike rate of 36.55 and an average of 27, with three half-centuries to her credit and a top score of 90. While her T20I career was brief, with a single appearance, her legacy remains firmly etched in the longer formats.
Under the stewardship of former coach Charlotte Edwards, the Mumbai Indians set the gold standard in the WPL, clinching titles in 2023 and again earlier this year, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the helm.
Keightley now inherits a squad brimming with match-winners, a legacy of championship success, and the weight of expectations from a passionate fan base. Her appointment signals the Mumbai Indians’ intent to continue dominating the women’s game and potentially secure a third crown in four seasons.
(Quotes sourced from Mumbai Indians Press Release)
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