Australian star Ashleigh Gardner will captain Gujarat Giants in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
The franchise confirmed the announcement on Monday and reinforced its faith in the experienced all-rounder.
Gardner, 28, has played 25 matches for the Giants across three seasons. She scored 567 runs with five fifties at a strike rate of 141.75. Moreover, ahead of the WPL 2026 Auction, the Giants retained her for ₹3.5 Cr alongside Beth Mooney, who was retained for ₹2.5 Cr.
“Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory,” the Giants declared on social media.
Furthermore, Gardner brings an immense pedigree as a three-time T20 Women’s World Cup winner. She has been part of the Giants since the league’s inception in 2023. Last season, she played a key role in guiding the team to a third-place finish, although they lost to eventual champions Mumbai Indians by 47 runs.
Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the WPL will unfold across two legs in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The opening match is scheduled at the D.Y. Patil Stadium. Gujarat Giants will begin their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10.
