Gujarat Giants have finally broken their two-year playoff drought, securing a spot in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 eliminator. Under the leadership of the new captain, the Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner who took over from Beth Mooney, the team has accumulated eight points, winning four of their matches.
As the team prepares for the playoffs, skipper Ashleigh Gardner, all-rounder Deandra Dottin and bowler Priya Mishra reflect on the biggest challenges they’ve faced in their careers. In a video posted by Gujarat Giants on their social media handles, they can be seen talking about those setbacks and people who supported them during that time.
For Ashleigh Gardner, one of the toughest phases in her career came during the Women’s Big Bash League three years ago, amid strict Covid-19 bio-bubbles. After a series against India, she went straight into another bubble for the WBBL, spending nearly three months away from home. The isolation took a toll on her mentally, and her batting form hit an all-time low. “I wasn’t finding any enjoyment in cricket and didn’t really want to be there,” she admitted.
Reflecting on that time, she added, “I don’t think I really smiled much throughout that Big Bash—it felt pretty doom and gloom.” However, the support of her family, friends, and partner helped her navigate that difficult period, eventually rekindling her passion for the game.
That resilience is now shining through in the WPL 2025, where Gardner has led Gujarat Giants from the front, scoring 235 runs in eight innings, including a match-winning 79* against RCB in the season opener.
For Deandra Dottin, one of the toughest phases in her career came when she battled a persistent shoulder injury that kept her away from bowling for nearly two years. “You actually know that something is wrong with your shoulder, but then there are people saying, like the physio, ‘No, I don’t think it’s that,” she recalled.
The uncertainty left her frustrated, and when she finally learned the full extent of the injury, it was a tough reality to accept. “The rehab was frustrating, it was hard,” she admitted, but with the support of her physio Jackie Key and conversations with former West Indies captain Merissa Aguilleira, she remained determined.
Focusing on what she could control, she leaned on her faith, saying, “I just try to be strong and control what I can, and then just leave the rest to God and pray.”
Now, in her debut WPL season with Gujarat Giants, she has made an immediate impact, scoring 142 runs and taking 9 wickets in eight matches.
For young spinner Priya Mishra, one of the toughest moments in her journey came when she was not selected for the U19 squad. Watching from the sidelines made her question her path. “It felt like, am I playing for this?” she recalled.
At one point, the disappointment made her consider giving up, but the unwavering support of her family and coach kept her going. “Even if there were issues going on within the family, they said to keep going and always made sure they had my back,” she shared.
Her coach played a crucial role, often calling her for extra practice sessions to help her improve. That hardwork has paid off in the WPL 2025, where she has been a promising talent for Gujarat Giants, taking six wickets in eight matches, including a standout three-wicket haul against UP Warriorz.
(Quotes sourced from video posted by Gujarat Giants)
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