Gujarat Giants Gear Up for WPL 2026 with Ambitious Goals
Gujarat Giants Prepare for WPL 2026
The Women's Premier League (WPL) is set to kick off its fourth season on January 9, and the Gujarat Giants are entering WPL 2026 with a fresh sense of determination and purpose. Following a successful playoff appearance last year, the Adani Sportsline-owned team is now aiming for consistency and a stronger competitive edge, as stated in a recent announcement.
During a pre-season media event held in Mumbai, the team’s players, coaching staff, and leadership shared their strategies for the upcoming season. Key figures at the event included captain Ashleigh Gardner, Women's World Cup champion Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor, and Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline.
The Giants will commence their WPL 2026 journey on January 10 against UP Warriorz. Their initial four matches will take place in Navi Mumbai, after which they will transition to Vadodara starting January 19 for the concluding phase of the league. Having debuted in Vadodara last season, the team is eager to return and engage with their expanding fan base, known as the Giants Army.
With a roster that combines established international stars and promising Indian talent, the franchise is targeting another playoff berth and aims for a deeper tournament run.
Insights from Captain Ashleigh Gardner
Captain Ashleigh Gardner emphasized the importance of balance within the team, stating, "As a captain, balance is crucial—not just in skills but also in integrating international and Indian players. While it can be challenging, having supportive teammates significantly enhances the experience. Much of the groundwork is laid before the first game, focusing on building trust and understanding to ensure everyone feels confident on the field. I strive to foster a positive culture, making the experience enjoyable and manageable."
Head Coach Michael Klinger Discusses Strategy
Head coach Michael Klinger remarked, "Our key takeaway from last season was that our best performances came when we executed the small details correctly, whether in the field, batting, or bowling. We have match-winners throughout our squad, and when we consistently excelled in those crucial moments, we secured victories."
Renuka Singh's Aspirations for the Trophy
Renuka Singh, a Women's World Cup winner, expressed her ambitions, stating, "Our goal is clear: we want to win the trophy. We have a fantastic team, and my personal aim is to excel in my role while maintaining a strong mindset. The WPL has evolved significantly, gaining recognition, and we are committed to giving our best efforts."
Fielding Coach Sarah Taylor on Mindset
Fielding coach Sarah Taylor highlighted the importance of an aggressive approach, saying, "Fielding is a vital aspect of modern cricket, and I aim to instill an aggressive mindset. We elevate our standards through rigorous drills, ensuring that every player embraces the intensity required at the international level. The more players adapt to these standards, the better it is for both the team and the sport overall."
Kashvee Gautam's Commitment to Impact
Kashvee Gautam shared her focus on performance, stating, "My goal is to contribute to the team, whether through bowling, batting, or fielding. I aim to make an impact and provide breakthroughs when needed. The WPL has changed my career trajectory, including my India call-up, and training with international players has been invaluable. I want to contribute in every possible way to help the team succeed."
Leadership Vision from Adani Sportsline
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, commented, "The progress we made in 2025 instills confidence that we are on the right path as a franchise. Our focus is on remaining humble off the field while being competitive on it. This squad embodies our belief in merging world-class experience with Indian talent, fostering an environment where players can thrive and express themselves. We are excited about the potential of this group in WPL 2026."
Gujarat Giants Squad for WPL 2026
The squad for WPL 2026 includes: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni.