The WPL 2024 kickstarts today with the intense clash between the defending champions and runner-ups, Mumbai Indians & Delhi Capitals, respectively. After the second auction of the tournament, we can see the teams rejuvenated and gearing up to display some wholesome cricket entertainment. With the addition of new faces to each squad, the teams will approach the new season with renewed energy. In this WPL 2024 listicle, we will check on the head coaches for all five teams.

Michael Klinger (Gujarat Giants)

In the first season, under the helms of former Australian batter Rachael Haynes, the Gujarat Giants had a season to forget as they finished at the bottom of the points table with 4 points from 8 games, including just a couple of victories. Led by the No. 1 T20I batswoman Beth Mooney, they have now named the former Australian batter Michael Klinger as the new head coach for the upcoming edition of the WPL. Klinger, who previously coached the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL, guided them to the semi-final in 2019. The Giants would be keen to turn their fortunes around in WPL 2024.

Luke Williams (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

After a dismal first season due to subpar results, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have appointed Luke Williams as the team’s new head coach, replacing Ben Sawyer in the WPL 2024. He led the Adelaide Strikers, skippered by Tahlia McGrath, to their first title in 2022. They had previously finished as runners-up twice. As an assistant head coach alongside Charlotte Edwards, he also helped the Southern Brave, captained by Anya Shrubsole, to their first Women’s Hundred title.

Jon Lewis (UP Warriorz)

The UP Warriorz, under the guidance of Jon Lewis, who doubles as the head coach of the senior women’s team, had a great season led by skipper Alyssa Healy. Qualifying for the playoffs resulted from their top-three finish, earning 8 points from 4 games. Unfortunately, their playoff journey ended with a massive 72-run defeat against the Mumbai Indians. Despite this setback, Jon Lewis has been retained as the head coach of the UP Warriorz for the WPL 2024 edition, acknowledging their impressive performances in the inaugural edition.

Jonathan Batty (Delhi Capitals)

After retiring from cricket, former Gloucestershire wicket-keeper batter Jonathan Betty transitioned to coaching. His coaching acumen came to the fore as he led the Oval Invincibles to consecutive titles in the Women’s edition of the Hundred in 2021 and 2022. Betty’s success led to his appointment as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals in the inaugural Women’s Premier League, where he worked alongside skipper Meg Lanning. In the debut season of the WPL, Betty guided the Delhi Capitals to the final, where they ultimately finished as runners-up to the Mumbai Indians, showcasing his coaching prowess once again in WPL 2024.

Charlotte Edwards (Mumbai Indians)

The former England vice-captain and legend Charlotte Edwards has had an impeccable stint as a head coach for several women’s tournaments. By leading the Mumbai Indians to their first WPL title, it is not a surprise that with the support of Harmanpreet Kaur, Issy Wong, Shabnim Ismail, and their robust team would target their second title in the ongoing WPL 2024. She has won the Charlotte Edwards Cup with the Southern Vipers in her coaching career. She followed it by leading her team to second place in the Women’s Hundred (Southern Brave), Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (Southern Vipers), and WBBL (Sydney Sixers) in 2022.