Defending Women’s Premier League (WPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their coaching staff by appointing former leg-spinner of Australia, Kristen Beams, as their new spin-bowling coach for season 2026. It definitely enhances their list of support staffers, which already has plenty of expertise to boast of.
Kristen Beams: Experience and Expertise
Kristen Beams is a 41-year-old ex-international of Australia who has played internationals of all three formats from 2014 to 2017. In her international cricketing journey so far, she has played one Test match, 30 One-Day Internationals, and 18 T20 Internationals. Aside from this, she has been a part of the Melbourne Stars women’s Big Bash League team from 2015–16 to 2019–20.
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Kristen Beams has had a successful transition into coaching after her retirement from professional play. Kristen has experience coaching top tournaments like the WBBL, The Hundred, and the Australia U-19 Women’s Team. Her expertise has primarily revolved around spin bowling.
Coaching Line-Up of MI for WPL 2026
With Beams added to the list, Mumbai Indians’ coaching panel for the WPL in 2026 will comprise:
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Head Coach: Lisa Keightley
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Spin-Bowling Coach: Kristen Beams
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Bowling Coach & Mentor: Jhulan Goswami
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Batting Coach: Devika Palshikar
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Fielding Coach: Nicole Bolton
To add to the new excitement in the WPL, Lisa Keightley is going to be with the team for the first time since her stint with the Delhi Capitals.
Beams on Joining Mumbai Indians
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Through the official social media handle of MI, Kristen Beams stated that she was eager to work with Jhulan Goswami and to be associated with the MI culture. The main reasons that triggered Kristen’s eagerness to be associated with MI were the feeling of togetherness and winning culture at MI.
Dominance of Mumbai Indians in the WPL
The Mumbai Indians have so far been the best-performing team in the WPL. They have won two out of the three editions, which have taken place. Because of their consistency, Mumbai Indians have become a benchmark for other franchises.
During the current auction, MI’s strategy was one of continuity, retaining and buying back players who have been with them since the beginning of the league.
WPL 2026: Important Dates and Hosts
The Women’s Premier League, set for 2026, is going to take place from January 9. The first match is going to be played between Mumbai Indians and the 2024 winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The tournament is going to be conducted in 28 days. It is going to take place in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. It is the first time the WPL is happening in the January and February window. Before, the previous editions happened in the February and March window, a period before the IPL.
What Kristin Beams Brings to MI
Having international experience as a player and an increasingly prominent coaching resume, Kristen Beams will play an imperative role in MI’s spinners and ensuring that MI continues to dominate the WPL. This move again highlights MI’s focus on innovation, experience, and success in Women’s Cricket.
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