Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed as the captain of Gujarat Giants for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL), set to begin later this month. The 27-year-old replaces fellow Australian star Beth Mooney, who will now focus solely on her batting.
The third edition of the WPL kicks off on February 14, with Gujarat Giants facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match. Since the league’s inception in 2023, Gujarat Giants have finished last in both previous editions and will be aiming for a stronger performance this season.
Gardner’s Credentials and Impact
A key player for the Australian national team, Gardner made her debut in 2017 and has since played 95 T20Is, amassing over 1,400 runs and taking 78 wickets with her off-spin. She was instrumental in Australia’s gold medal-winning campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Since joining Gujarat Giants, Gardner has made a significant impact, scoring 324 runs and taking 17 wickets. Her leadership qualities and experience make her a valuable asset to the team.
Gardner Excited for Leadership Role
Expressing her excitement about the new role, Gardner said:
“It is an absolute honour to be named captain of Gujarat Giants. I have loved being a part of this team, and I’m thrilled to lead such a fantastic group in the upcoming season. We have a great mix of young and experienced players, along with some incredible Indian talent. I look forward to working with the squad and making our fans proud.”
Management’s Support for Gardner
Gujarat Giants’ head coach Michael Klinger praised Gardner’s leadership qualities, describing her as a fierce competitor with strong tactical awareness.
“Her game awareness, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire players make her the ideal choice to lead Gujarat Giants. We believe she will lead from the front and guide the team towards a successful campaign. I would also like to thank Beth Mooney for her valuable leadership. Now, she can fully focus on wicket-keeping and opening the batting while continuing to play a key role within the team.”
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, the franchise’s owners, also expressed confidence in Gardner’s leadership.
“Gardner embodies the spirit of Gujarat Giants with her dedication, skill, and leadership. Her appointment as captain reinforces our commitment to building a world-class team that competes at the highest level. We are confident that under her captaincy, the team will deliver a stellar performance in WPL 2025.”
With Gardner at the helm, Gujarat Giants will be aiming for a much-improved showing in the tournament as they strive for their maiden WPL title.