As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 edges closer, Gujarat Giants find themselves entering their fourth season with a level of optimism rarely seen before in the franchise’s short history. After enduring two challenging inaugural seasons and breaking through to their first playoffs in WPL 2025, the Giants used the mega auction wisely to address weaknesses and add weapons across batting and bowling. With a blend of experience, emerging talent and improved balance, this could be the year Gujarat finally makes a sustained title push.
At the heart of the optimism is skipper Ashleigh Gardner, whose belief in the assembled group is very strong. “We have a fantastic squad this year … it’s the strongest squad that we’ve ever had within the four years,” she said, capturing the confidence within the camp. This belief is not just motivational rhetoric – it’s backed by noteworthy improvement from last season.
In WPL 2025, Gujarat finished third in the league stage, registering four wins and four losses to secure their first ever playoff berth. That was a meaningful improvement over the previous two seasons, where they finished at the bottom of the table. Their run to the knockouts was driven by consistently competitive performances and some eye-catching individual numbers.
Gardner herself finished as the Giants’ leading run scorer with 243 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 164.18, while also contributing with eight wickets. The dual threat that made her indispensable throughout the season. The batting unit was further strengthened by Beth Mooney, whose 237 runs made her one of the team’s top scorers and frequently provided the backbone to big innings.
Mooney’s unbeaten 96 off 59 balls in a dominant 81-run win over UP Warriorz was one of the season’s standout performances. International players dominated the batting while domestic performers like Kashvee Gautam and Tanuja Kanwar led the bowling attack. Despite these encouraging signs, last season’s squad still lacked the depth and variety needed to sustain a title challenge.
This season’s auction reinforcements including Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Yastika Bhatia and Danni Wyatt-Hodge address that precise lack of depth. Devine brings proven finishing power that can change games within a single over, she was effective for RCB in the inaugural season with 266 runs to her name.
Wareham’s spin provides a tactical option that can be crucial on turning tracks, last season with RCB she got 12 wickets in 8 games. Renuka and Titas, meanwhile, strengthen an Indian pace unit that struggled for consistency in earlier seasons.
Head coach Michael Klinger explained the thinking behind this approach, framing the mega auction as an opportunity rather than a disruption. “The reset for us was a slight advantage. Had it been a smaller auction as well, I would have been reasonably happy. Last year, we had built that momentum with the playing group. In franchise tournaments around the world, it’s a good idea to reset after a few seasons”
Despite the squad overhaul, one familiar issue is likely to persist for Gujarat Giants – a heavy dependence on overseas batters. Gardner acknowledges this reality but views it as part of a wider WPL pattern rather than a flaw unique to her side. “If you look at all the teams, I think the overseas do a lot of the heavy lifting in all regards. I don’t think it’s going to be any different for our side,” she said. What Gujarat gain in return is experience, with seasoned international players accustomed to performing across conditions and pressure situations.
With a bolstered lineup, better tactical options, and leaders who have already tasted playoff success, Gujarat arrive in WPL 2026 not merely as hopeful qualifiers but as true contenders. If they can translate the balance and depth on paper into performances on the field, they could well transform their strongest squad yet into a title-winning one.
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