Gujarat Giants (GG) appear more competitive heading into the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, but they need to resolve dilemmas surrounding their overseas players and opening combination, said former India captain Anjum Chopra.
Investment in Talent
In last year’s mega auction, the Ashleigh Gardner-led GG invested heavily in New Zealand’s veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine, as well as securing Georgia Wareham, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Kim Garth. After finishing at the bottom of the points table in 2023 and 2024, GG showcased significant improvement by finishing third in the league stage in 2025, qualifying for the Eliminator, where they lost to the eventual champions Mumbai Inddigihunt.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
“Yes. I guess the fact that again, with four international players, whether they can balance out with Sophie Devine – they paid quite a bit for her at the auctions. So, they have to ensure that she finds a place in the playing eleven. If you are not able to utilise those services, because again, for them, who will open with Beth Mooney? They’ve got options – they can open with Sophie Devine, or Yastika (Bhatia),” Anjum Chopra explained in an exclusive conversation.
Australia batter Beth Mooney is expected to serve as the keeper again, considering Yastika is still recovering from an ACL surgery done after injuring her left knee during last year’s ODI World Cup preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam.
Competition Intensifies
“Besides who they decide to open with, it’s also about who they decide to go with for wicket-keeping between Mooney and Yastika. So, it’s a good, healthy balance. It’s also beneficial for the Indian players because it’s seven plus four in the playing eleven – so there are seven places up for grabs for an Indian player,” added Anjum Chopra.
She also highlighted that the limited spots for Indian players will heighten competition for positions in the starting line-up. “But there are only a few specialist positions – so, the Indian talent will also start understanding that it’s not just about being picked in the auction. It’s also about ensuring that you’re able to get into the playing eleven and showcase your skills,” Anjum noted.
Fitness Concerns
With the tournament lasting approximately three and a half weeks, player fitness will be vital for GG’s bowling department to maintain a sustained performance. Renuka Singh Thakur has performed well since recovering from a back stress fracture, while Kashvee Gautam and Titas Sadhu have successfully returned to action after healing from their respective injuries.
“Fitness is part and parcel of it. It’s about a three and a half weeks tournament. So, at this time, there are ample gaps as well because simultaneously, the men’s series against New Zealand is also going to be on. The rest or break part is already taken care of, as it’s not a very long tournament,” Anjum explained.
“I’m sure every player wants to remain fit and counted because after this WPL, there’ll probably be a series or two. That also is not for every nation, I guess, before they head out to England for the T20 World Cup. So, you want to make sure that you’re ticking the boxes in the right manner,” she added.
Excitement for Women’s Cricket
The WPL will be played for the first time since India’s ODI World Cup triumph, with Anjum Chopra anticipating increased fan engagement, though the hype and build-up for the tournament have been somewhat muted.
“Because the Indian team has already won a World Cup, each time they get onto the park, excitement and happiness surround the team. Now for the first time, after winning T20Is against Sri Lanka, this team will be divided into five different sides,” she noted.
“It will be Smriti Mandhana up against Harmanpreet Kaur in the very first match. So, I guess it’s exciting times for the women’s game, and that’s the biggest high. I just hope it keeps getting better with every passing day. There can be a slight dip as well, but as far as we are moving ahead, we are improving individually and collectively, and I’m sure the excitement around women’s cricket will always remain.”