The Mumbai Indians Women's franchise has made a significant strategic addition to their coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season of the Women's Premier League (WPL). The five-time IPL champion franchise has appointed former Australian leg-spinner Kristen Beams as their new spin bowling coach. This announcement was made official on December 29, 2025.
Kristen Beams: A Wealth of Experience
Kristen Beams brings a formidable combination of international playing experience and proven coaching credentials to the Mumbai Indians setup. As a player, she represented Australia in 29 One Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals, claiming a total of 54 wickets across both formats. Her understanding of the game extends beyond her playing days.
Since retiring, Beams has transitioned seamlessly into coaching, establishing herself as a respected figure. She has served as an assistant coach with the Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and, more notably, held the position of head coach for the Melbourne Stars women's team. Her tactical acumen and ability to mentor young spinners make her a valuable asset for the Mumbai-based team.
Strategic Move for WPL 2026 Campaign
The appointment is clearly a targeted move to bolster the team's spin bowling department, a crucial facet of success in the T20 format. The Mumbai Indians Women, led by the iconic Harmanpreet Kaur, have been a competitive force in the WPL but will be looking to build a more dominant squad for the 2026 edition.
Beams' primary role will be to work closely with the team's spinners, refining their skills, developing game plans, and providing strategic insights tailored to Indian conditions. Her experience in high-pressure Australian cricket and the WBBL is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the bowling group.
Building a Winning Culture
This hiring aligns with the Mumbai Indians' philosophy of investing in top-tier support staff to complement their star-studded playing roster. The franchise is known for its meticulous planning and long-term vision. Bringing in a specialist coach like Beams indicates a focused approach to addressing specific areas for improvement.
The team management believes that Beams' expertise will not only enhance the performance of established players but also help in nurturing young Indian spin talent within the squad. Her appointment is seen as a step towards building a more robust and versatile bowling attack capable of challenging for the WPL 2026 title.
With this key addition to their backroom staff, the Mumbai Indians Women have signaled their serious intent for the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see how Kristen Beams' influence translates onto the field when the Women's Premier League returns.
