Ashleigh Gardner Takes the Helm: New Captain of Gujarat Giants for WPL 2025
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Gujarat Giants have appointed Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner as the new captain for the forthcoming season of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2025). Gardner, a prominent player in Australian cricket, succeeds her teammate Beth Mooney in leading the Gujarat-based franchise.
A two-time recipient of the Belinda Clark Award, Gardner played a pivotal role in securing gold for Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was named Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup held in South Africa in 2023.
Since the inception of the WPL, Gardner has been a vital member of the Gujarat Giants. In the past two seasons, she has accumulated 324 runs and taken 17 wickets.
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as the captain of Gujarat Giants. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this team, and I am eager to lead this exceptional group in the upcoming season. Our squad boasts a wonderful blend of youth and experience, along with considerable Indian talent. I look forward to collaborating with the team and making our supporters proud,” Gardner stated.
The team's head coach, Michael Klinger, expressed his strong belief in Gardner's leadership capabilities. “She is a fierce competitor. Her understanding of the game, strategic insight, and ability to motivate her teammates make her the perfect choice to captain Gujarat Giants. We are confident she will lead by example and steer the team towards a successful season,” he remarked.
Klinger also extended his gratitude to Mooney for her leadership contributions, noting that she will now focus on her responsibilities as a wicketkeeper and batsman. “I would like to thank Mooney for her invaluable leadership. This change will allow her to concentrate on wicketkeeping and opening the batting order. She remains a significant leader within our group.”
The Gujarat Giants are optimistic about a more successful season under the new captaincy of Gardner, especially after finishing last in the five-team tournament last year, with only two victories in eight matches.
