Gujarat Giants have announced that Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Gardner, a three-time T20 Women’s World Cup winner, took over the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season. Under her leadership, Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.
“Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory,” the Giants shared on social media.
Since the WPL’s inception in 2023, Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants, scoring 568 runs and taking 25 wickets in 25 games. She was one of two players retained by the Giants prior to the WPL 2026 Auction, alongside Beth Mooney, with Gardner retained for Rs. 3.5 crore.
Last season, Gardner stood out with her consistent all-round performances. Batting in the middle order, she finished as the team’s leading run-scorer with 243 runs in nine matches, boasting an impressive strike rate of 164.18 and an average of 30.37.
The Aussie all-rounder also made her mark with her right-arm off-spin, claiming eight wickets at an economy of 8.03. She was awarded the Most Sixes title with 18 maximums.
With eight points from eight matches, the Giants finished third in the WPL 2025 standings, securing a place in the Eliminator. However, their promising season concluded in the Eliminator after losing to the eventual champions, Mumbai Inddigihunt.
The fourth edition of WPL will be held from January 9 to February 5, 2026. The tournament will take place across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
The Giants will open their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10.