The Indian women’s cricket team is set to get a fresh boost on the fitness front, with Nicholas Lee expected to take over as the new strength and conditioning (S&C) coach after the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 concludes, according to a report by news agency IANS.
Sources familiar with the development have confirmed that Lee will officially link up with the national side once the WPL season ends on February 5 in Vadodara, bringing an end to months of speculation around the role.
Appointment to take effect after WPL 2026
“Yes, it’s confirmed that Lee will be the new S&C coach of the Indian women’s cricket team,” a source told IANS. “Australia’s Nathan Kiely was also in talks, but Lee was always in the running. Once the WPL is over, he will join the team.”
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The timing of the appointment is significant, as it allows the women’s team to transition smoothly into a packed international calendar without disrupting ongoing franchise commitments.
Australia tour next on the calendar
Soon after the WPL wraps up, India will tour Australia for a high-profile multi-format series from February 15 to March 9. The tour will begin with the T20I leg at the Sydney Cricket Ground on February 15, followed by matches at Manuka Oval and Adelaide Oval.
The focus will then shift to the ODI series, where India will play as reigning World Cup champions. The ODIs are scheduled to start at Allan Border Field, before moving to Bellerive Oval. The third ODI was earlier shifted from Melbourne to Hobart by Cricket Australia due to floodlight issues.
The tour will conclude with a day-night Test at the iconic WACA Ground, from March 6 to 9.
Who is Nicholas Lee?
Nicholas Lee is a highly respected name in international cricket’s fitness and performance circles. A specialist in physical preparation and conditioning, he has worked across multiple elite teams over the past decade.
Most recently, Lee served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Gulf Giants during season four of the UAE’s ILT20 league. Before that, he was Afghanistan men’s team S&C coach from January 2024 to December 2025 and earlier headed physical performance at the Bangladesh Cricket Board between 2020 and 2024. His resume also includes a stint with Sri Lanka’s men’s team and a foundational role at Sussex County Cricket Club.
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From player to performance expert
Before moving fully into coaching, Lee played 13 first-class matches as a right-handed batter, scoring 490 runs at an average of 30.62, with three half-centuries and a top score of 79 not out. His playing background, combined with years of hands-on experience in elite conditioning setups, is seen as a major plus for the Indian women’s side.
Why this matters for India
With back-to-back overseas tours and major ICC events on the horizon, fitness and workload management will be crucial for the Indian women’s team. Lee’s appointment signals the BCCI’s intent to strengthen the high-performance ecosystem around the squad and ensure players are physically primed for all three formats.
