Luke Williams has built a coaching career across Australia, England and India, and now has a new assignment in the Women’s Premier League. Mumbai Indians have appointed the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru coach as their head coach for the 2027 season, replacing Lisa Keightley.
Williams joins the two-time WPL champions with experience of winning titles in three major women’s T20 competitions. He was part of title-winning campaigns in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia in 2022 and 2023, The Hundred in England in 2023 as an assistant coach, and the WPL in 2024.
From South Australia cricketer to international coach
Williams was a former first-class cricketer for South Australia before moving into coaching. He is also a three-time recipient of the Bradman Medal for grade cricket, having won the award in the 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2009-10 seasons.
Over the past two decades, Williams has worked in coaching roles across Australia, England and India. His experience includes the Adelaide Strikers Women in the WBBL and the Southern Brave Women in The Hundred. He has also served as an assistant coach with the men's team at the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL.
Williams has worked with England's women's team as an assistant coach since 2025. He has also worked under former Mumbai Indians head coach Charlotte Edwards as part of England's coaching staff.
WPL success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Williams is already familiar with the demands of the WPL. He previously worked as head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was part of the franchise's maiden title triumph in the competition.
That experience will now be brought to Mumbai Indians, who have won two of the WPL's four editions so far, in 2023 and 2025, under captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
The franchise's most recent campaign ended with a fourth-place finish in the five-team tournament, its lowest position in the first four seasons. Mumbai Indians had also reached the Eliminator in 2024 before winning the title again in 2025.
Why Mumbai Indians turned to Williams
Mumbai Indians announced the coaching change after Keightley, who was appointed in September 2025, decided to move on from her position.
Nita M Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, described Williams as a proven winner with extensive experience, a strong understanding of the women's game and a commitment to player development. She also thanked Keightley for her contribution to the franchise and wished her well for the future.
Williams said he was excited to join Mumbai Indians and work with the players and support staff.
"We have a great opportunity to build something together, play an exciting brand of cricket and compete for success," he said.
The challenge ahead of WPL 2027
Williams takes charge as Mumbai Indians begin preparations for the fifth WPL season. The league's 2027 auction is scheduled for October 28 in Kochi, giving the new head coach an early opportunity to shape the squad alongside the franchise's existing leadership group.
For Williams, the assignment brings together his experience of coaching in multiple women's T20 leagues and his previous WPL success. For Mumbai Indians, it marks a new coaching chapter as the franchise looks to build on titles won in 2023 and 2025.