Batty Set for Southern Brave Role as GMR Strengthens Delhi Links
A fresh chapter is unfolding on the south coast as new ownership ties reshape the coaching structure at Southern Brave.
Former Surrey and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty is poised to be announced as the franchise’s new women’s head coach in The Hundred, replacing Australia’s Luke Williams.
Batty departs Oval Invincibles women, whom he guided to back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. He was recently succeeded at The Oval by Lisa Keightley, who will lead the newly rebranded MI London this summer.
Delhi Capitals Connection Strengthens
Batty’s appointment continues Southern Brave’s growing alignment with the GMR Group, the franchise’s new owners. He has worked closely with GMR in his role as head coach of Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL), guiding the side to four consecutive finals — though the trophy has so far eluded them.
His familiarity with several Brave players is expected to smooth the transition. Both Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues, who have been retained by Brave ahead of next month’s auction, have played under Batty’s leadership in the WPL.
Brave’s other women’s pre-signings include Lauren Bell (£140,000) and Maia Bouchier (£85,000), underlining their intent to remain title contenders.
Leadership Changes Across the Board
Southern Brave’s women were initially coached by Charlotte Edwards, who led the side for the first four editions before stepping down upon becoming England head coach last year. Williams oversaw an unbeaten group-stage run in 2024 but fell short in the final against Northern Superchargers at Lord’s.
On the men’s side, change is also underway. Hemang Badani will replace Adi Birrell as head coach. Like Batty, Badani holds a senior role with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, further reinforcing GMR’s integrated global structure, which spans teams in Major League Cricket and the ILT20.
Brave’s men’s pre-signings reflect significant ambition, with Jofra Archer (£400,000), Jamie Smith (£300,000), Marcus Stoinis (£150,000) and Tristan Stubbs (£100,000) secured ahead of the draft.
The Hundred auctions are scheduled for March 11 (women’s) and March 12 (men’s), with Southern Brave entering a new era shaped by strengthened links to Delhi and a clear ambition to convert promise into silverware.