Gujarat Giants campaign in WPL 2025
The team showed perseverance and consistency, winning four of their eight league matches. Their improved performance was the result of a more balanced approach and sharper execution across all departments. However, their journey ended in heartbreak after a 47-run defeat to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator clash. Despite an early playoff exit, the season was filled with positives: key players like Gardner, Beth Mooneyand others stood their ground at critical moments and showed the team’s evolution into real contenders.
5 players can be retained by Gujarat Giants ahead of WPL 2026
As the franchise prepares for the WPL 2026 mega auction, the management will look to retain a core group that can continue the momentum and build on their success in 2025. Here’s a look at the five players Gujarat Giants are likely to retain – two overseas, two capped Indians and an uncapped youngster – as they look to establish themselves as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
1. Ashleigh Gardner – The heartbeat of Gujarat Giants
- Role: All-rounder and captain
- Price 2025: INR 3.20 crore
- Performance in 2025: 243 runs in 9 matches with 3 fifties and 8 wickets
There is no doubt that Gardner will be the first name on the Gujarat retention list. Gardner was appointed captain ahead of WPL 2025 and provided stability, leadership and match-winning performances with both bat and ball. She scored 243 runs with three half-centuries and also contributed with eight crucial wickets, often turning matches in favor of Gujarat.
Her leadership played a crucial role in transforming the Giants from underachievers into serious contenders. Gardner’s tactical intelligence, combined with her aggressive all-round abilities, makes her the perfect captain to lead Gujarat into the next phase. As a foreign player who understands Indian conditions well, she remains indispensable to GG’s plans for WPL 2026.
2. Laura Wolvaardt – The stylish opener ready for redemption
- Role: Opening fitting
- Price 2025: INR 30 lakh
- Achievements in 2025: 32 runs in 3 matches
While Laura Wolvaardt After enduring a quiet WPL 2025 season, conceding just 32 runs in three matches, her recent international performances have revived her form and reputation. The South African star rediscovered her talent at the recently concluded Women’s World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 571 runs in nine matches at an average of 71, including back-to-back centuries in the semi-final and final.
Although South Africa narrowly lost to India in the final, Wolvaardt’s brilliance with the bat has reminded the cricket world of her immense talent. Her calm yet assertive batting style and her ability to adapt to different match situations make her an ideal choice for retention. The Giants will likely back her to return to the WPL and form a lethal opening pair with Beth Mooney in 2026.
3. Harleen Deol – The reliable Indian all-rounder
- Role: All-rounder
- Price 2025: INR 40 lakh
- Performance in 2025: 232 runs in 9 games with 1 fifty
Indian star Harleen Deol has been one of Gujarat’s most consistent domestic performers, anchoring the middle order with maturity and confidence. In WPL 2025, she amassed 232 runs, including a crucial half-century, often playing the role of stabilizer during challenging top-order chases or collapses.
In addition to her batting, Harleen’s energy on the court and her handy off-spin make her a valuable asset in all three facets of the game. As an Indian player with leadership experience and calmness under pressure, she fits perfectly into GG’s long-term vision. Retaining her would ensure continuity and depth in the Indian core of the team.
READ also: WPL 2026: 5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) can retain ahead of Women’s Premier League mega auction
4. Kashvee Gautam – The strike bowler Gujarat needs to build around
- Role: Mediocre pacer
- Price 2025: INR 2 crore
- Achievements in 2025: 11 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 18.18
Kashvee GautamIndia’s record-breaking pacer and one of the most expensive uncapped players in WPL history, justified her price tag in the 2025 season. She finished as Gujarat’s leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets at an impressive average of 18.18. Her consistent pace, control and ability to strike on the power play played a major role in several of GG’s wins.
As one of India’s most promising young fast bowlers, Kashvee is expected to develop further with experience. The Giants will undoubtedly retain her to spearhead their pace attack given her potential to become one of India’s premier T20 bowlers in the near future.
5. Shabnam Shakil – The young gun with a bright future
- Role: Mediocre pacer
- Price 2025: INR 10 lakh
- Performance in 2025: 4 wickets in 4 matches
At just 18 years old, Shabnam Shakil represents the future of the Gujarat Giants bowling line-up. The young pacer, who was part of the Indian U19 Women’s set-up, impressed with his limited opportunities during WPL 2025, taking four wickets in as many matches.
Although still raw, Shabnam has shown the ability to generate movement with the new ball and maintain composure under pressure. It is expected that the Gujarat management will invest in her development and view her as a long-term asset. Retaining her would not only secure a talented uncapped player but also strengthen the franchise’s focus on nurturing emerging Indian talent.
READ also: WPL 2026: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can retain ahead of Women’s Premier League mega auction
This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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