As Gujarat Giants gear up for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, the focus will be on translating individual brilliance into sustained team performances. Over the past few seasons, the Giants have shown flashes of quality but struggled to string together consistent results. This year, however, they boast a core packed with international stars and emerging Indian talent capable of changing that narrative. Here’s a look at the top 5 key players in the Giants squad to watch out for this season.
Ashleigh Gardner
At the heart of Gujarat Giants’ plans is Ashleigh Gardner, one of the most complete all-rounders in women’s cricket. Across her WPL career, Gardner has scored 567 runs at a strike rate hovering around 140, while also claiming 25 wickets at an economy of approximately 8.3. These numbers underline her ability to influence games in both innings whether through counter attacking batting in the middle order or crucial breakthroughs with her off spin.
Gardner’s biggest strength is adaptability. She can bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 6, accelerate against spin, and finish innings with power hitting. With the ball, she thrives in the middle overs, using subtle variations and sharp turns to force mistakes. Add to that her leadership experience from Australia’s World Cup-winning sides, and Gardner becomes indispensable. For the Giants, her consistency will be central to building momentum this season.
Beth Mooney
Few players offer the reliability of Beth Mooney at the top of the order. One of the most consistent batters in WPL history, Mooney has accumulated over 520 runs at an average around 37, including multiple half-centuries under pressure. Her strike rate of around 133 reflects her ability to balance stability with controlled aggression, an invaluable trait in high-stakes T20 cricket.
Beyond the runs, Mooney’s value multiplied behind the stumps. A sharp wicketkeeper with excellent game awareness, she contributes to run-outs, takes tough chances, and supports bowlers with clear communication. For a Gujarat Giants side that has often struggled with early wickets, Mooney’s presence provides structure and calm. If she can anchor innings and bat deep consistently, she gives the Giants a platform to post or chase competitive totals.
Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine brings explosive power and fearless intent to Gujarat Giants lineup. Across her WPL appearances, she has scored over 400 runs at a strike rate exceeding 150, including some of the fastest starts in the league’s short history. Her ability to dominate the powerplay makes her one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament.
Devine also adds depth with the ball. While not always a frontline bowler, she has chipped in with 9 WPL wickets, often breaking partnerships or providing crucial overs when captains need flexibility. As New Zealand captain and a veteran of multiple global tournaments, Devine injects confidence and aggression into the Giants’ approach. If she fires early in innings, she can single-handedly swing matches in Gujarat Giants favour.
Kashvee Gautam
Among the emerging Indian talents, Kashvee Gautam stands out as a player with significant upside. Known for her pace and bounce, she made headlines in domestic cricket with back-to-back four-wicket hauls and a remarkable 10-wicket match performance in senior women’s tournaments. While her WPL numbers are still modest, her raw skill set suggests she is on the brink of a breakout season.
Kashvee also offers hitting ability down the order, capable of clearing the ropes when momentum is needed. For Gujarat Giants, her role could be pivotal in bridging the gap between international stars and domestic depth. If she can translate her domestic success into confident WPL performances, she adds balance to the XI and strengthens both bowling rotations and lower-order batting.
Renuka Singh Thakur
Leading the pace attack is Renuka Singh Thakur, one of India’s most effective white-ball fast bowlers. In the WPL, Renuka has taken 13 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of around 8.3, with most of her success coming in the powerplay. Her ability to swing the new ball and hit hard lengths consistently makes her a genuine wicket-taking threat early on.
Renuka’s impact goes beyond raw numbers. She regularly removes top-order batters, forcing opposition sides onto the back foot. Over the last year, she has also improved her death over execution, using slower balls and yorkers more effectively. For Gujarat Giants, Renuka’s spells with the new ball could dictate match momentum; early breakthroughs will be key to easing pressure on the middle and lower bowling units.
Gujarat Giants have never lacked talent, what has often eluded them is continuity. This season, however, feels different. Clearer roles, sharper balance and a group capable of shaping games rather than reacting to them offer renewed optimism. If these five players can turn individual moments into collective momentum, WPL 2026 could mark a turning point in the franchise’s journey.
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