Ashleigh Gardner Named Gujarat Giants’ Captain for WPL 2025

Gujarat Giants have turned to Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner to lead them in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season. The 27-year-old takes over from Beth Mooney, who will now focus entirely on her batting and wicket keeping duties. The team hopes this leadership transition will change their fortunes after finishing last in both previous editions of the league.

Ashleigh Gardner Named Gujarat Giants' Captain for WPL 2025
Ashleigh Gardner Named Gujarat Giants’ Captain for WPL 2025

Gardner, a dynamic cricketer with a proven track record, has been a key part of the Gujarat Giants setup since the league’s inception. Over two seasons, she has amassed 324 runs and claimed 17 wickets, making valuable contributions with both bat and ball. Now, she is set to take on a bigger responsibility as she leads the squad.

Since making her international debut in 2017, Gardner has established herself as one of the most impactful all-rounders in world cricket. Her credentials speak for themselves—95 T20Is, over 1,400 runs, and 78 wickets with her off-spin.

She has also been a vital part of Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, playing a crucial role in their gold-medal-winning campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In 2023, she was named the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup in South Africa, further cementing her status as a match-winner.

With such an illustrious career, Gardner is no stranger to leadership and high-pressure situations. Expressing her excitement about this new challenge, she said, “It is an absolute honour for me to be named the captain of Gujarat Giants. I have loved being a part of this team and I am excited to lead this fantastic group in the upcoming season.

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“We have a great mix of young and experienced players and plenty of Indian talent in our squad. I am looking forward to working with the team and making our fans proud.”

Head coach Michael Klinger is confident that Gardner’s leadership qualities will bring a fresh approach to the squad. Known for her aggressive gameplay and tactical sharpness, she has all the ingredients needed to steer the Giants towards a successful campaign.

“She is a fierce competitor. Her game awareness, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire players make her the ideal choice to captain Gujarat Giants. We believe she will lead from the front and guide the team towards a successful campaign.”

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While Gardner takes over as captain, the team also recognizes the efforts of outgoing skipper Beth Mooney, who led the side in the previous seasons. Klinger extended his gratitude to the Australian wicketkeeper-batter for her leadership.

“I would like to thank Mooney for her highly valued leadership. Now, she will be able to focus on wicket keeping and opening the batting lineup. She continues to be a major leader of our group.”

The franchise is determined to turn things around in WPL 2025, and the management believes Gardner is the right person to lead them in this pursuit. Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, emphasized the significance of this appointment.

“Gardner embodies the spirit of Gujarat Giants with her dedication, skill, and leadership. Her appointment as captain reiterates our commitment to building a world-class team that competes at the highest level. We are confident that under her captaincy, the team will put up a stellar performance in WPL.”

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The third edition of the Women’s Premier League kicks off on February 14, with Gujarat Giants facing the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the opening match. With Gardner at the helm, the team aims to rewrite their story and make a strong impact in the tournament.

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