Mumbai Indians said Keightley, who was appointed head coach in September 2025, decided to step down from her position. Under the Australian batter’s guidance, the two-time champions finished fourth in the five-team competition, their worst performance across the four seasons of the Women’s Premier League.
Mumbai Indians won the WPL title in 2023 and 2025, while the team reached the Eliminator in 2024. Their fourth-place finish under Keightley marked a significant change in their performance across the tournament’s four seasons.
Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani said Williams is a successful coach with extensive experience, a deep understanding of women’s cricket and a strong commitment to player development.
Williams also reacted to his appointment, saying there is a great opportunity to play exciting cricket and compete for success, through which the team can build something special together.
Williams was previously the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru when the team won its first WPL title in 2025. He has also served as head coach of the Southern Brave women’s team in The Hundred and the Adelaide Strikers women’s team in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Although Williams has established himself as a prominent coach, his playing career was brief and disappointing. As an all-rounder, he played five matches for South Australia. Across those five matches, he scored only 114 runs at an average of 11.40. He did not score a century or a half-century and did not take a single wicket.
His playing career ended on January 28, 2005, after which he moved into coaching. He is now regarded as one of the most respected coaches in women’s cricket.
Mumbai Indians’ appointment of Williams represents a major step ahead of the 2027 WPL season. He brings coaching experience from Australia, England and India and has worked in coaching for more than 20 years. His approach focuses on player development and data-driven strategies on the cricket field.
Williams has also previously worked with Mumbai Indians, including alongside Charlotte Edwards. His return to the franchise as head coach adds another chapter to his coaching association with the team as Mumbai Indians prepare for the next WPL season.
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