After another mixed campaign in the Women's Premier League, the Gujarat Giants have opted for a major overhaul ahead of the 2026 season.
The Ahmedabad-based side has retained only two players - Australian
all-rounder and captain Ashleigh Gardner and former skipper Beth Mooney - while releasing the rest of their squad in a bid to rebuild for the new season.
Despite showing improvement under Gardner's leadership last season, when they reached the playoffs for the first time, the Giants were knocked out by eventual champions Mumbai Indians. The management has now decided to refresh the squad with several Indian and overseas options available in the upcoming auction.
Interestingly, the franchise has let go of South African star Laura Wolvaardt, who was in sensational form at the 2025 Women's World Cup, scoring centuries in both the semi-final and the final. The move raised eyebrows among fans, considering Wolvaardt's consistency with the bat. Promising Australian youngster Phoebe Litchfield has also been released as the team chose to retain only two overseas players.
The Giants will enter the auction with one of the largest purses - ₹9 crore - second only to UP Warriorz, who released all their capped players. This gives the Giants plenty of flexibility to rebuild a strong domestic core. They also hold three Right to Match (RTM) cards - two for capped and one for uncapped Indian players - which will be crucial for bringing back key local talents like Harleen Deol or Kashvee Gautam if needed.
Under Gardner's captaincy, the team showed fighting spirit and improved balance in 2025, and it is likely she will continue to lead the side in 2026. With a substantial purse, strategic RTMs, and a clean slate, Gujarat Giants will be looking to finally establish themselves as serious title contenders in the upcoming WPL season.
Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Retention Summary
Players Retained: Ashleigh Gardner (₹3.5 crore), Beth Mooney (₹2.5 crore)
Players Released: Bharti Fulmali, Danielle Gibson, Dayalan Hemalatha, Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Laura Wolvaardt, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, Phoebe Litchfield, Prakashika Naik, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwer
Auction Purse Left: ₹9 crore
RTMs Available: 3 (2 capped, 1 uncapped)
