WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants to adopt 'aggressive approach' this season
What's the story
The Gujarat Giants are all set to make their home debut in the third season of the Women's Premier League (WPL).
The team will take on reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Vadodara.
Meanwhile, head coach Michael Klinger and captain Ashleigh Gardner spoke about how excited they are to play at home for the first time, during a pre-match discussion.
Here's what the coach and skipper had to say.
Anticipation
Coach Klinger and Captain Gardner express their excitement
Klinger hoped that not just Baroda fans but those from across the region would come to support them.
He remembered last year's matches against RCB in Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in Delhi, and stated in a release from Gujarat Giants, "Last year, we had to play against RCB in Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in Delhi, and they had some big crowds."
Gardner, who is leading the side for the first time, shared her excitement about playing before their home fans.
Schedule
Giants's upcoming matches and stadium conditions
After facing RCB, the Gujarat Giants will take on UP Warriorz on February 16 and Mumbai Indians on February 18.
Klinger also praised the conditions at BCA Stadium, and stated, "The stadium looks fantastic, and from all reports, the wicket is really good--a proper batting wicket that will hopefully produce a lot of runs, mainly for our team, but either way, it'll make for exciting cricket for the crowd."
He hoped that would lead to exciting cricket for the spectators.
Strategy
Team's strategy and expectations for the season
Gardner was confident of their team playing competitive and exciting cricket.
Klinger then revealed the team's strategy while stating, "I think you can expect some attacking cricket. I feel we have the squad now, with the batting depth and firepower, to play really aggressively."
He stressed their aim to entertain with their cricket, but also stressed on enthusiasm and energy, especially in fielding.
Record
A look at GG's WPL record and Gardner's stats
The Gujarat Giants have so far had a dismal outing in the first two WPL seasons, finishing last in both seasons.
Meanwhile, across 16 games, they have just won four matches, (two matches in each season) and have lost 12 of them.
However, the team's skipper has seen her fair share of success, having amassed 324 runs including two fifties, (AVG: 21.60, SR: 128.57).
Additionally, with the ball she has picked up 17 scalps, (ER: 8.49) across 16 innings.