In a major announcement ahead of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season, Gujarat Giants have confirmed Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner as their captain for the WPL 2026 edition. The decision
comes as the franchise looks to rebuild and make a strong push for the title after mixed performances in previous seasons.
Gardner, who was retained by the Giants for a whopping Rs 3.50 crore ahead of the auction, is one of the highest-paid players in the league this year. This marks a continuation of her leadership role, as she steps up to guide the team towards their first title.
The all-rounder expressed her excitement about the role, stating in an official video on the team's website: "I'm thrilled to lead this talented group. We've got the right mix of experience and youth, and I'm confident we can go all the way this season. "
Gardner's Impressive Track RecordAt 28, Ashleigh Gardner brings a wealth of international experience to the captaincy. A key member of Australia's dominant women's team, she has played 96 WT20I matches, scoring 1,411 runs at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of around 127.7, while also claiming 78 wickets with her off-spin bowling.
Her Big Bash League (BBL) stats are equally stellar, with over 2,700 runs and 121 wickets in more than 142 matches, showcasing her ability to impact games with both bat and ball.
Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Squad
Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Renuka Singh, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Danni Wyatt, Tanuja Kanwer, Anushka Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Titas Sadhu, Kanika Ahuja, Ayushi Soni, Happy Kumari, Shivani Singh
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