WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Retain Key Players
Gujarat Giants confirmed the retention of Australian stars Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney ahead of the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) mega auction. The announcement came from the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise on Thursday.
Coach's Perspective on Retained Players
Head coach Michael Klinger praised Gardner and Mooney, emphasizing their alignment with the team's core values. He said:
"We played an exciting brand of cricket last season, and while parting ways with some players is always tough, it's part of the league's evolution. We've retained two strong players who reflect our playing ethos, and we're eager to add fresh energy at the auction to take the team forward."
Player Performances in WPL 2025
- Ashleigh Gardner captained Gujarat Giants in 2025, scoring 243 runs in nine innings with a strike rate of 164. She hit 18 sixes, the most by any batter that season. Additionally, she took eight wickets with an economy rate of 8.
- Beth Mooney scored 237 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 128, including two half-centuries during the same season.
Franchise Status and Future Plans
The team secured its first-ever playoff berth in the 2025 WPL season. The retentions came with set prices of INR 3.5 crore for Gardner and INR 2.5 crore for Mooney. With the mega auction scheduled later this month in New Delhi, the Giants look to fill 16 remaining slots to strengthen their squad.
"With the first-ever mega auction for the WPL, we are entering an exciting new phase for women's cricket."
Author's Summary: Gujarat Giants retain star Australians Gardner and Mooney, building on their maiden playoff success while preparing to enhance the squad at the upcoming 2026 WPL mega auction.