Gujarat Giants Capsule Preview WPL 2026: Strengths, weaknesses, trump card, final squad

Gujarat Giants’ journey in the Women’s Premier League has been riddled with disappointment since the very start.

Having finished with the wooden spoon in 2023 and 2024, the franchise fared a tad better last year by finishing third in the league stage to qualify for the Eliminator. But on the big day, the Giants were well short of the standards needed to overcome Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians.

For 2026 to bring about a change of fortune, GG’s 18-member playing contingent will have to punch considerably above its weight.

Here’s a quick look at how the squad has shaped up ahead of WPL 2026:

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STRENGTHS

Gujarat Giants enters the new season with momentum after finishing third last year. The core pairing of Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner offers both stability and leadership at the top and in the middle order. The squad has been further strengthened by international reinforcements, including Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The pace attack looks more robust with Renuka Singh Thakur and Kim Garth, while the return of Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali and Tanuja Kanwer lends continuity and familiarity within the group.

WEAKNESSES

Once again, the Giants face the challenge of accommodating multiple overseas match-winners in a settled XI. While the depth looks impressive on paper, finding the right balance could prove tricky, particularly for the bowling unit if combinations keep changing. With several new faces in the squad, early cohesion will be vital. Captain Gardner carries the added responsibility of helping the group settle quickly and establishing clarity in roles. For Gujarat to build on last season’s progress, consistency and collective resolve will matter as much as individual brilliance.

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PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR – ASHLEIGH GARDNER

Gardner looms as the Giants’ most influential figure this season. Her impact last year was decisive, driving the side to the Eliminator and a third-place finish after earlier bottom-table campaigns. One of Australia’s premier all-rounders, the 28-year-old offers middle-order power and incisive off-spin that can break key partnerships, backed by strong international form and leadership experience in the WBBL.

SQUAD FOR WPL 2026

Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni

Published on Jan 08, 2026