Mukesh Ambani’s MI Picks Surprise Captain For Foreign T20 League

Mukesh Ambani and MI London logo [Source: AFP and official X handle of MI London]

In a massive development, England's right-handed batter and leg-break bowler Hollie Armitage has been named as the MI London captain for The Hundred Women 2026 campaign.

The franchise co-owned by Mukesh Ambani and the company will see Armitage in the role after coach Lisa Keightley roped her in the auction.

Notably, Keightley, the head coach, moved to the capital over the winter after the Ambani family bought into The Hundred, with the team previously known as Oval Invincibles.

Keightley also guided Northern Superchargers to their first title last summer and backed her captain, Armitage, at the auction in March.

Who Is MI London Women’s New Captain Hollie Armitage?

Notably, Hollie Armitage was Durham's first-ever professional women's captain in 2024. She also led the England A side to a T20 series victory over India A in late 2023, while scoring a match-winning knock in the opening match in Mumbai.

Her first England T20I debut came against New Zealand in March 2024, although she has largely remained under the radar.

The 28-year-old has played only three Women's ODIs and three Women's T20I games in her career, while her franchise cricket curriculum vitae remains strong.

She has featured for the Sydney Sixers Women in the Big Bash League, while also playing for Northern Diamonds, Yorkshire Women, and Northern Superchargers Women in domestic cricket.

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MI Coach Explains Decision

Noting her sharp as well as calm mind on the field, Keightley expressed why she wanted Hollie Armitage to be skipper of MI London.

"It is no secret that we hoped Hollie Armitage would lead the side after signing her in the auction. The role of captain in a short-form game is crucial, and Hollie brings a brilliant cricket brain and a degree of calmness to make crucial decisions under pressure.

"We're really happy with how the squad is put together, and we'll be keeping a close eye on the domestic talent in the upcoming Vitality Blast to complete the squad in July," Keightley said.

Currently, Armitage plays for Durham Women in county cricket. She also captained Northern Superchargers for four seasons from 2020 onwards.

Armitage Excited To Lead MI!

While MI London features many heavyweight names with experience under their belt, the skipper selection was surprising. Armitage herself was excited to be named as MI London's new skipper as she added to her thoughts.

"Being named MI London's women's captain is huge honour as we start an exciting new chapter. Lisa is a terrific coach to work alongside, and we are eager to replicate last year's success in MI London colours,” Armitage said.

Why MI London Chose Armitage Over Danielle Wyatt-Hodge Or Amelia Kerr?

Notably, London features massive names like Chinelle Henry, Hayley Matthews, England's star batter Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, and New Zealand veteran Amelia Kerr, who is known for her talented leadership skills.

However, the Ambani co-owned team still went for a surprise name, which can be understood as being backed by her domestic reputation to lead a team towards victory. The close relationship between the head coach Keightley and Armitage is also another reason why she was given the first priority.

With previous and mutual work experience between the two, the franchise thought it would be most suitable for the duo to work out again on each other to lead the team towards their third title victory.

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