Ashleigh Gardner to captain Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025
What's the story
Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed captain of Gujarat Giants for the Women's Premier League (WPL).
Gardner has replaced Beth Mooney as the side's captain. Mooney led GG in the first two WPL seasons.
Since her 2017 debut, Gardner has become a pivotal figure in Australian cricket and has been with Gujarat Giants since the league's inception.
Meanwhile, Gardner would be looking to guide the Giants to their maiden cup in the upcoming WPL season.
Here's more.
Career highlights
Gardner's performance and accolades in cricket
Gardner, a two-time Belinda Clark Award winner, played a crucial role in Australia's gold medal victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and earned Player of the Tournament honors at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Meanwhile, with Gujarat Giants, she has showcased her all-round brilliance, scoring 324 runs and taking 17 wickets across two WPL seasons.
Leadership role
Gardner expresses honor and excitement over captaincy
Gardner expressed her honor at being appointed captain of the Giants, while stating, "It is an absolute honour for me to be named the captain of Gujarat Giants. I have loved being a part of this team and I am excited to lead this fantastic group in the upcoming season."
She then further added saying, "We have a great mix of young and experienced players. I am looking forward to working with the team."
Team support
GG's head coach and CBO express confidence in Gardner
Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger said he was confident of Gardner's leadership abilities.
He stated, "She is a fierce competitor. Her game awareness, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire players make her the ideal choice to captain Gujarat Giants."
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer at Adani Sportsline, also endorsed Gardner's appointment as captain saying, "Gardner embodies the spirit of Gujarat Giants with her dedication, skill, and leadership."
Stats
A look at the all-rounder's T20I stats
Across 95 matches Garnder has amassed 1,411 runs at an average of 24.75.
She also boasts a strike rate of 127.69. Meanwhile, her best score is 93, (vs India). Additionally, the all-rounder also owns six fifties.
With the ball, she has bagged 78 wickets at an average of 20.46, (ER: 6.55) across 95 T20Is.
Garnder owns one four-wicket and one five-wicket haul each, alongside her best bowling figures of 5/12.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
🚨 Captain Announcement 🚨
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2025
Ashleigh Gardner is the 🆕 Gujarat Giants Captain Ⓒ and will lead the team from #TATAWPL 2025 onwards 👌@Giant_Cricket pic.twitter.com/x8CUVHY0Oq