Mumbai Indians laced up and hit the nets on December 29 for their first training session ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, with every corner of the ground alive with energy. The defending champions, who dominated last season, looked sharp and focused as they began fine-tuning under a revamped coaching setup. From skill drills to team huddles, it was clear this group is hungry to build on their success.
As two-time WPL champions, Mumbai Indians have set the benchmark in the league’s short history. They clinched the inaugural title in 2023 and backed it up with a clinical campaign last season, storming to victory after registering 5 wins from 8 group stage games.
Their explosive batting lineup, led by the likes of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews, fired on all cylinders, while the bowling attack—spearheaded by Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail—kept things tight. That title run wasn’t just about stats; it was a masterclass in composure under pressure, proving why Mumbai are the team everyone else measures up against.
This season marks a fresh chapter with Lisa Keightley stepping in as head coach, her first with the franchise. A stalwart of the Australian top order from 1995 to 2005, Keightley played 9 Tests and 82 ODIs, scoring 2,630 ODI runs at an average of 39.84. She remains famous for her unbeaten 156 against Pakistan in 1997 and was a key member of the 1997 and 2005 World Cup-winning squads.
Following her playing days, she transitioned into a highly successful coaching career, leading both the Australian and English national teams. The former Australia batter brings a wealth of experience from coaching England Women to the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold and stints with Sydney Thunder in the WBBL.
Keightley addressed the huddle early on, firing up the squad with her passion: “To say I’m excited to be here is an understatement. To come in and get the privilege to coach you guys at Mumbai—I’m so excited, so pumped for the tournament. But it’s all about enjoyment, and the whole time we’re together, I want you to have fun, enjoy each other’s company, and do Mumbai proud.” Her words set the tone—fun, unity, and pride at the core.
The camaraderie between Lisa Keightley and former Indian pacer and Mumbai Indians bowling coach Jhulan Goswami is already sparking interest; Goswami’s no-nonsense Indian grit alongside Keightley’s cool-headed Aussie smarts could be a game-changer. Expect plenty of lively chats on the sidelines, blending raw pace lessons with smart gameplans to sharpen the attack.
Mumbai Indians have also appointed Kristen Beams as the new spin bowling coach, rounding out a dynamic staff. A skilled leg-spinner, Beams represented Australia in 30 ODIs and 18 T20Is, taking 42 ODI wickets at an average of 22.45 with best figures of 4/15. In her domestic career, she was a key figure in the WBBL, playing 45 matches for the Melbourne Stars where she claimed 37 wickets with an economy of 5.92.
With this blend of experience, fresh energy, and champion pedigree, Mumbai Indians look primed to chase a third straight title.
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