Ash Gardner Leads Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026

Ashleigh Gardner, the talented Australian allrounder, has been appointed as the captain of the Gujarat Giants for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL). This decision comes after Gardner successfully led the franchise in the 2025 season, guiding them to a playoff finish. With her experience and skills, she aims to take the Giants to their first championship title this year.

The Gujarat Giants made the announcement on their social media platform, stating, “Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory.” This reflects the confidence they have in Gardner's leadership abilities.

In her previous three seasons with the Giants, Gardner has played 25 matches, scoring 567 runs at an impressive strike rate of 141.75, including five half-centuries. Additionally, she has taken 25 wickets at an economy rate of 8.34. Despite facing challenges in the first two seasons, Gardner’s leadership last year saw the team progress to the playoffs, where they unfortunately fell short in the Eliminator match.

This season, Gardner will lead a strong squad that includes fellow Australians Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham, along with established international cricketers like Sophie Devine and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. With such talent on board, the Giants are determined to clinch their first title. Their season opener is scheduled against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

The upcoming WPL season is particularly significant as it precedes the T20 World Cup in England. Gardner has expressed her frustration regarding Australia’s performance in recent World Cups but remains confident in her team’s abilities. She stated, “The last couple of World Cups have been frustrating because of the way that they’ve ended. But I can sit here comfortably and say that I still believe that we’re the best team.”

With the WPL and the World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on Gardner and her team. How they perform in this league could set the tone for their international campaign later in the year. As they prepare for their matches, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike are eager to see if the Gujarat Giants can finally claim their maiden title under Gardner's captaincy.