Luke Williams Takes Charge of Mumbai Indians Ahead of WPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have appointed Luke Williams as the new head coach of their women's team ahead of the 2027 Women's Premier League season. Williams replaces Lisa Keightley, who has decided to move on from the role after one season in charge.

The appointment brings an experienced women's T20 coach into the Mumbai Indians setup as the franchise prepares for another WPL campaign under captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

Williams Returns to the WPL

Williams, a former first-class cricketer for South Australia, has extensive coaching experience across Australia, England and India. His previous WPL assignment came with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he guided the franchise to its maiden WPL title in 2024.

That success established Williams as one of the notable coaches in women's franchise cricket. He has also worked in Australia's Women's Big Bash League and England's women's cricket setup.

Successful Record in Women's T20 Cricket

Williams has been involved with several championship-winning teams during his coaching career. He was part of Adelaide Strikers' successful WBBL campaigns in 2022 and 2023 and worked as an assistant coach with Southern Brave during their successful Women's Hundred campaign in 2023.

His coaching career has therefore included experience across three major women's T20 competitions, giving him familiarity with different playing conditions, squad structures and franchise environments.

Lisa Keightley Moves On

Williams takes over from Lisa Keightley, who was appointed Mumbai Indians' head coach ahead of the 2026 WPL season after Charlotte Edwards moved into the England women's coaching setup.

Keightley has now decided to move on from Mumbai Indians. She recently took up a national development role with Cricket Australia focused on the development of women's cricket.

Mumbai Indians thanked Keightley for her contribution and wished her well for her next role.

Mumbai Indians Prepare for WPL 2027

Mumbai Indians enter the next WPL season as two-time champions, having won the tournament in 2023 and 2025. Harmanpreet Kaur has led the team during both title-winning campaigns.

The 2026 season was more difficult for the franchise. Mumbai Indians finished fourth in the five-team standings after recording three victories and did not qualify for the playoffs.

The coaching change is therefore one of the first major developments in the team's preparations for the 2027 season.

Williams to Work With Harmanpreet Kaur

Williams will work alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur as Mumbai Indians attempt to rebuild their campaign. The franchise has highlighted his experience and understanding of women's cricket as important qualities behind the appointment.

MI co-owner Nita M. Ambani welcomed Williams and said the franchise expects his experience and focus on player development to contribute to the team's next phase.

Williams Begins New Chapter

Williams said he was excited to join Mumbai Indians and work with the existing group of players and support staff. He also outlined his intention to develop an attacking style of cricket while competing for success in the WPL.

His appointment gives Mumbai Indians a coach already familiar with the competition and Indian conditions, having previously guided RCB to the WPL title.

Focus Turns to the 2027 Auction

Williams' first major task will come during Mumbai Indians' preparations for the 2027 player auction. The franchise will need to assess its squad and identify areas requiring reinforcement before the new season begins.

The WPL 2027 auction is scheduled for October 28 in Kochi, giving Williams and the Mumbai Indians management team an important early opportunity to shape the squad for the upcoming campaign.

Mumbai Indians Begin a New Coaching Era

With Williams now in charge, Mumbai Indians begin a new chapter after Keightley's departure. The franchise will be looking to return to the playoffs and challenge for another WPL title after missing the knockout stage in 2026.

Williams brings previous WPL-winning experience, international coaching exposure and a background in developing women's teams. His first season with Mumbai Indians will begin with squad planning and preparations for the 2027 WPL campaign.