defending champion Mumbai Indians has made a strategic appointment ahead of women’s premier league 2026Named former Australian leg spinner as its new spin bowling coach. 41-year-old joins as head coach Lisa Keightleyfast bowling coach Jhulan Goswamibatting coach Devika Palshikarand fielding coach nicole bolton in a revised support staff with the aim of securing a third title in four seasons. The fourth WPL edition will begin on January 9, 2026 with MI facing off Royal Challengers Bangalore At DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The move underlines MI’s commitment to blending international expertise with its unique winning culture as they prepare for a high-stakes campaign.
Mumbai Indians bring in Australian spin star as bowling coach for WPL 2026
MI’s new spin bowling coach Kristen Beams Made a notable international career for Australia From 2014 to 2017, he took 42 wickets at an average of 22.45 in one Test, 30 ODIs, including a best performance of 4/15, and 20 wickets at an average of 16.60 in 18 T20Is. She shone in the 2017 ODI World Cup and was the third highest wicket-taker with 45 runs. Women’s Big Bash League matches for melbourne starsMaking a seamless transition into coaching after retirement, Beams has built an impressive CV, including roles in wbbl and Head Coach of The Hundred, Australia’s women’s under-19 team, National Development Lead at Cricket Australia, and Community Cricket Manager-South at Cricket Tasmania.
In a video statement, Beams expressed his excitement about his first coaching stint with MI, highlighting the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary Goswami, whom he faced during his playing days. He praised the “incredible culture” of the franchise as a close-knit family that consistently produces wins, and described it as an ideal environment for a new coach to flourish. His leg-spin mastery and tactical skills make him perfectly capable of developing MI’s emerging spinners amid the growing demands of the WPL for a versatile bowling attack.
,Incredible culture. They’ve really developed a winning culture over a long time, but a family, that’s what you hear everybody talking about is that this group is very cohesive and it’s a family. This is what you want to be a part of. I think, coming in as a coach, that’s exactly what you want to do – go into an environment that feels really cohesive and have a team that knows how to win.“He said.
Strategic impact of new spin coach on MI’s WPL 2026 campaign
Beames’ arrival strengthens MI’s spin department, which is vital on subcontinent pitches where wrist spin can often turn matches, complementing Goswami’s pace expertise for a balanced attack. With Keightley-Freshly Delhi Capitals– Leading the team, this all-star coaching lineup blends Australian precision and Indian rookie, targeting another championship run.
MI’s two titles in three WPL seasons show their dominance, and Beams’ global insight could lift up young talent Saika Ishaq Or the untapped possibilities in the auction pool. As the January 9 opener approaches, fans are looking forward to how their strategies will strengthen the defending champions against arch-rivals like RCB. UP WarriorsThe appointment signals MI’s proactive blueprint for continued success in women’s cricket’s premier T20 tournament,
Also read: Top 10 most expensive buys in WPL 2026 player auction
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
