As the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off on January 9, the Gujarat Giants enter WPL 2026 with fresh confidence and a clear goal. Following a successful playoff run last year, the franchise owned by Adani Sportsline is aiming for greater consistency and looking to elevate their competitive edge.
Pre-Season Set-Up
During a pre-season media event, players, coaching staff, and team leaders shared their plans for the upcoming season. Key attendees included captain Ashleigh Gardner, Kashvee Gautam, Women’s World Cup champion Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor, and Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer of Adani Sportsline.
The Giants will kick off their WPL 2026 campaign on January 10 against UP Warriorz. The first four games will take place in Navi Mumbai, after which they will move to Vadodara from January 19 for the concluding part of the league stage.
After debuting at home in Vadodara last season, the team will return for a fourth time, excited to play before their expanding Giants Army. The franchise features a mix of proven international players and promising Indian talent, aiming for another playoff appearance and a deeper run in the tournament.
Captain’s Vision
Speaking on the occasion, captain Ashleigh Gardner emphasized the importance of balance: “As a captain, balance is the key, not just in terms of skills, but in bringing together international players and Indian players. It can be a challenge at times, but having good people around you makes a big difference. A lot of the work is done before game one, building trust, understanding each other, and making sure everyone feels confident when we step onto the field. I try to embrace the culture because it makes the experience more enjoyable and easier.”
Coach’s Strategy
Head coach Michael Klinger reflected on last year’s learning: “The biggest takeaway from last year was that the games we played really well in were the ones where we did the little things right, whether that was in the field, with the bat or with the ball. We have match-winners throughout the squad, and when we consistently outdid the opposition in those small but important moments, we won games.”
Goals for the Season
Women’s World Cup winner Renuka Singh stated, “The focus is clear, we want to win the trophy. We have a great team, and personally, my aim is to excel in my responsibilities and continue playing with a strong mentality. WPL has evolved over the years; we are getting a lot of recognition and we just want to continue giving our best.”
Fielding Philosophy
Fielding coach Sarah Taylor highlighted the modern game’s demands: “Fielding has become a crucial part of the modern game, and my approach is to bring an aggressive mindset to it. We push standards through challenging drills and make sure everyone buys into the intensity required at the international level. The more players are exposed to those standards, the better it is not just for the team, but for the game as a whole.”
Individual Commitment
Kashvee Gautam shared her performance mindset: “My mindset is to go out there and perform for the team. Whether it’s bowling, batting, or fielding, the focus is always on making an impact and providing breakthroughs when the team needs it. A lot changed for me after the WPL, including earning my India call-up, and bowling to international players in training and matches has helped make things easier. I just want to contribute in every way possible and make an impact for the team.”
Franchise Outlook
Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer of Adani Sportsline, affirmed the franchise’s direction: “The progress we made in 2025 gives us confidence that we are moving in the right direction as a franchise. Our focus remains on staying humble off the field while being aggressive and competitive on it. This squad reflects our belief in combining world-class experience with Indian talent and creating an environment where players can grow and express themselves. We’re excited about what this group can achieve together in WPL 2026.”