With the fourth season of the Premier League Women (WPL) From January 9, the Gujarat Giants enter WPL 2026 with renewed confidence and clear intent. After a breakthrough in the play-offs last year, the Adani Sportsline franchise is now focused on consistency and taking the next competitive leap.
During a pre-season media interaction in Mumbai, players, coaching staff and team management outlined their approach for the upcoming season. Present at the event were captain Ashleigh Gardner, Kashvee Gautam, Women’s World Cup winner Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor and Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline.
The Giants open their WPL 2026 campaign on January 10 against UP Warriorz. They will play their first four matches in Navi Mumbai before moving to Vadodara for the final leg of the league phase from January 19.
After making their home debut in Vadodara last season, the team returns to the venue once again, excited to play for their growing Giants Army. With a squad that combines proven international performers and exciting Indian talent, the franchise is aiming for another play-off qualification and a deeper run in the tournament.
During his speech, Captain Ashleigh Gardner said:
“As a captain, balance is key, not just in terms of skills but also in bringing international players and Indian players together. It can be challenging at times, but having good people around you makes a big difference. A lot of the work is done before the first match, building trust, understanding each other and making sure everyone feels confident when we step on the field. I try to embrace the culture because it makes the experience more fun and easier.”
Head Coach Michael Klinger added,
“The biggest lesson from last year was that the games where we played really well were the games where we did the little things well, whether that was in the field, with the bat or with the ball. We have match-winners throughout the squad, and when we consistently outscored the opposition in those small but important moments, we won games.”
World Cup winner Renuka Singh said:
“The focus is clear, we want to win the trophy. We have a great team and personally my goal is to excel in my responsibilities and continue to play with a strong mentality. WPL has evolved over the years, we get a lot of recognition and we just want to keep doing our best.”
Sarah Taylor, field coach said:
“Fielding has become a crucial part of the modern game, and my approach is to instill an aggressive mentality. We push standards through challenging drills and ensure that everyone accepts the intensity required at international level. The more players are exposed to those standards, the better it is not only for the team, but for the game as a whole.”
Kashvee Gautam added,
“My mentality is to go out and perform for the team. Whether it is bowling, batting or fielding, the focus is always on making an impact and providing breakthroughs when the team needs it. A lot has changed for me after the WPL, including earning my call-up for India, and bowling for international players in training and matches has helped make things easier. I just want to contribute in every way possible and make an impact for the team.”
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