Mumbai Indians appoint Luke Williams as head coach ahead of WPL 2027

Mumbai Indians have appointed Luke Williams as the head coach of their women's team in the build-up to the Women's Premier League 2027 season, the franchise confirmed.

Luke Williams takes over from Lisa Keightley as Mumbai Indians head coach

The former South Australian cricketer takes over from Lisa Keightley, who has stepped down after just one season in charge, having herself succeeded Charlotte Edwards in the role.

Williams, 46, brings substantial coaching pedigree to the two-time WPL champions. His standout achievement came in the WPL itself, where he coached Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the title in 2024. He also led the Adelaide Strikers to two runners-up finishes and a maiden WBBL title in 2022-23, and served as Assistant Coach of the Southern Brave during their successful 2023 Women's Hundred campaign.

Most recently, Williams has been part of the England Women's set-up as Assistant Coach since 2025. He now faces the task of reviving a Mumbai Indians side coming off a forgettable 2026 season, in which the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team won just three games and finished fourth in the standings.

'A proven winner'

On his appointment, Williams said: "I'm really excited to be joining Mumbai Indians, a respected and successful organisation, and working with this talented group of players and support staff.

"We have a great opportunity to build something together, play an exciting brand of cricket and compete for success. I'm looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of."

MI owner Nita Ambani welcomed the new coach, saying: "We are delighted to welcome Luke Williams to the Mumbai Indians family. Luke is a proven winner and brings with him rich experience, a deep understanding of the women's game, and a strong commitment to developing players.

"Our girls have created a proud legacy in the WPL, and I am confident that, with Luke's guidance and Harman's leadership, they will continue to grow, achieve greater success, and inspire young girls everywhere to dream big. I wish Luke, and the entire team the very best as we begin this exciting new chapter together."