Ashleigh Gardner To Lead Gujarat Giants In WPL 2025

Star Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed as the captain of the Gujarat Giants ahead of the third season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) announced on Wednesday (5th February).

Beth Mooney, her fellow Aussie & former Gujarat Giants skipper has been relieved of captaincy position. A move that was more or less expected after the Gujarat franchise endured two tough seasons in the competition where the team ended up at the wooden spoon.

Gardner was one of the shining lights in otherwise two frustrating years for the Gujarat franchise scoring 324 runs & picking up 17 wickets across 2 seasons in the WPL. Gardner stated that she is excited to lead the side & play alongside Indian players once again.

Ashleigh Gardner Excited To Lead GG

"It's an absolute pride & honor to be appointed as the skipper of the Gujarat Giants team'', Gardner stated. I love being a part of this team & I'm excited about my new role, I'm also looking forward to taking this team to new heights and making the fans proud, the team has a great mix of experience & youth, and I'm looking forward to playing with new Indian talents"

Head coach Michael Klinger was looking forward to working with Gardner and labeled her as a fierce competitor.

GG Head Coach on Gardner

"She is a fierce competitor her cricketing acumen & her ability to bring the best results possible for the team made her an ideal choice for captaincy. I've full faith that Ashleigh will be able to adapt to this new role, and bring success to us in this edition"

Klinger also revealed that Mooney will continue to have a leadership role within the team and will be a batting mainstay for the franchise.

Klinger on Mooney

"I would also like to thank Beth Mooney for her captaincy duties, now, she'll be more relaxed & will be able concentrate on her batting & wicket-keeping, she is an integral part of our lineup as well as the leadership group."

The Giants purchased four players in the auction in December including Indian all-rounder Simran Shaikh along with retaining the Deandra Dottin.