After finishing at the bottom of the table in the last two seasons of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the Gujarat Giants have shown significant improvement in their 2025 campaign, with a recent surge of two back-to-back wins propelling them to second place on the points table with six points. With their fortunes reversed, the Giants now have a realistic chance of making it to the playoffs, a feat that seemed elusive in previous seasons.
This turnaround comes on the heels of a change in leadership as the franchise handed over the captaincy to the 27-year-old all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner ahead of the 2025 season, marking a new era after Beth Mooney’s stint.
Reflecting on taking the new role, Ashleigh Gardner said leading the team was always something she was willing to do, and that she has worked to establish a good rapport with the local players, which she believes helps break down barriers, adding that captaincy potentially brings the best out of her.
Gardner has been in impressive form in the ongoing WPL season, she has accumulated 213 runs in 6 matches at an average of 42.60, complemented by seven wickets. Her batting exploits include three half centuries, showcasing her consistency. Currently, she sits at number four on the leaderboard for most runs scored in the tournament.
She began the season with a flourish, scoring an unbeaten 79 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, although her team ultimately fell short due to the heroics of Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh. She then starred in a 6-wicket victory over UP-Warriorz, scoring 52 and taking 2 wickets to earn the Player of the Match award.
After a brief lean patch, Gardner rediscovered her touch with a match-winning performance against RCB, blasting 58 off 31 deliveries and returning figures of 1/22.
Gujarat’s resurgence was further underscored by their recent 81-run thrashing of the UP Warriorz, with Gujarat’s former captain Beth Mooney’s scintillating 96*(59) being the highlight. With two matches remaining, the Giants will be eager to capitalize on their momentum and secure a playoff berth.
Talking about the team’s transformation, Ashleigh Gardner noted, “The first two WPL seasons didn’t go the way that we would have planned. I think we had some fantastic players within the set-up. But I think looking at the players that we have this time around; it just has a different feel about it. Everyone seems to be really enjoying themselves. And I think ultimately when people are enjoying themselves and having fun, it does bring success.”
The Giants’ next challenge is against the table-toppers Delhi Capitals on 7th March at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Gardner’s leadership will be put to test as the Giants look to secure a crucial win against the tournament’s top team.
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