Harmanpreet Kaur is no longer satisfied with just competing. After leading the Indian women’s team to a historic maiden World Cup title last year, the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain has returned to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with a singular focus: building a legacy defined by a “winning mindset.”
Speaking at the Mumbai Indians’ pre-tournament press conference, Kaur emphasized that the days of being “happy to participate” are over. Under her leadership, MI has already secured two titles in the first three seasons, a feat she attributes to the elite culture within the franchise. “Wherever I go, I want to see people only think about how we can win,” Kaur stated. She noted that her time with the Mumbai Indians—a franchise synonymous with IPL success—completely reframed her approach to the game, moving away from previous “limitations” toward a philosophy of total dominance.
The Rise of an All-Female Coaching Powerhouse at Mumbai Indians
The upcoming WPL season marks a significant shift for the defending champions. Following Charlotte Edwards’ move to lead the England national team, MI has appointed Lisa Keightley as head coach. Keightley, a two-time World Cup winner with Australia, now leads a historic, all-female coaching panel. This elite group includes Indian legend Jhulan Goswami (mentor/bowling coach), Devika Palshikar (batting), Nicole Bolton (fielding), and Kristen Beams (spin-bowling).
Keightley highlighted that this structural change isn’t just about optics; it’s about representation. “I am a big believer in ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it,'” Keightley remarked. She credited the vision of Mrs. Nita Ambani for placing women in powerful decision-making positions, a strategy that has filtered down from the boardroom to the dugout. According to Keightley, seeing female coaches at the helm of major franchises is the next frontier for the sport, with the ultimate goal being a female head coach for the Indian national team.
How the WPL is Turning India into a Global Cricket Superpower
The impact of the WPL extends far beyond the franchise trophies. Keightley pointed to India’s recent 50-over World Cup triumph—specifically their composure during high-pressure moments like the semi-final—as direct evidence of the league’s success. By pitting domestic players against world-class internationals under intense scrutiny, the WPL has effectively bridge the gap between regional cricket and the international stage.
The “scary” depth of Indian talent was a recurring theme. Keightley noted the fierce competitiveness of domestic players during training sessions, sharing an anecdote about uncapped spinner Triveni Vasistha aggressively appealing against superstar Amelia Kerr in the nets. This raw hunger and work ethic, Keightley suggests, is what makes the Indian domestic circuit unique compared to leagues like the WBBL in Australia. As these players gain more exposure, the gap between India and the rest of the world continues to widen.
