Gujarat Giants Put Their Trust in Ashleigh Gardner for WPL 2025
Newz Daddy Cricket Updates
Synopsis of the Article:
- Gujarat Giants appoint Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner as captain for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025.
- Gardner has been part of Gujarat Giants since the league’s inception.
- She is a two-time Belinda Clark Award winner and played a key role in Australia’s gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
- She was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa.
- Gardner has scored 324 runs and taken 17 wickets in the WPL across two seasons.
- She expressed excitement about leading the team, highlighting the squad’s blend of youth and experience.
- Head Coach Michael Klinger praised Gardner’s tactical awareness, leadership skills, and competitive spirit.
- Beth Mooney, last season’s captain, will now focus on wicketkeeping and opening the batting.
- Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, emphasized Gardner’s leadership qualities and the team’s vision of competing at the highest level.
The Gujarat Giants have named Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner as the team captain for the 2025 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Gardner, a formidable force in international cricket, has been an integral member of the team since the start of the WPL and now takes charge of the team.
Since making her debut for Australia in 2017, Gardner has become one of the best all-round players in the world. She is renowned for her aggressive batting and incisive off-spin bowling, and she has contributed significantly to Australia’s many victories.
Among her accomplishments are two Belinda Clark Awards, which are granted to Australia’s top female cricket player. She was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa and played a significant role in Australia’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Gardner has amassed 324 runs and claimed 17 wickets while playing for the Gujarat Giants in the last two WPL seasons. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball have made her a fan favorite, and her appointment as captain reflects the franchise’s confidence in her leadership abilities.
Gardner responded to the news by expressing her excitement and appreciation.
Being selected as the Gujarat Giants’ captain is a true honor for me. Being a member of this squad has been a pleasure, and I can’t wait to guide this outstanding group in the forthcoming season. Our team is full of Indian potential and has a fantastic blend of young and seasoned players. She remarked, “I am excited to work with the team and make our fans proud.”
Her words demonstrate her dedication to the group and her enthusiasm for leading it to new heights. Gardner will try to establish a winning culture within the club by assembling a mix of seasoned foreign players and up-and-coming Indian talent.
The Gujarat Giants’ head coach Michael Klinger expressed strong confidence in Gardner’s leadership abilities.
“She is a fierce competitor. Her game awareness, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire players make her the ideal choice to captain Gujarat Giants. We believe she will lead from the front and guide the team towards a successful campaign,” said Klinger.
Gardner’s on-field intelligence and fighting spirit have been widely praised. Her experience playing in high-pressure situations, including World Cup finals and multi-nation tournaments, will undoubtedly benefit the Gujarat Giants as they aim for WPL glory.
Last season, Beth Mooney led the Gujarat Giants as captain. With Gardner taking over the leadership duties, Mooney will now focus on her primary roles—wicketkeeping and opening the batting.
Speaking about the transition, Klinger acknowledged Mooney’s contribution as captain.
“I would like to thank Mooney for her highly valued leadership. Now, she will be able to focus on wicketkeeping and opening the batting lineup. She continues to be a major leader of our group.”
This decision allows Mooney to play with greater freedom at the top order, which could strengthen the Giants’ batting firepower.
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, emphasized that Gardner’s captaincy aligns with the franchise’s vision of building a world-class team.
“Gardner embodies the spirit of Gujarat Giants with her dedication, skill, and leadership. Her appointment as captain reiterates our commitment to building a world-class team that competes at the highest level. We are confident that under her captaincy, the team will put up a stellar performance in WPL.”
With this announcement, Gujarat Giants have set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans can look forward to seeing Gardner lead from the front, supported by an experienced squad and a strong coaching setup.
As the WPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Gujarat Giants perform under their new leader.
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