The Gujarat Giants (GG) find themselves at a pivotal juncture ahead of WPL 2025. After two underwhelming seasons, where they finished last with just two wins in each campaign, the franchise is desperate for a turnaround. The management has made key changes, the most significant being Ashleigh Gardner taking over the captaincy from Beth Mooney. With new recruits like Deandra Dottin and Danielle Gibson, GG will be hoping for a fresh start. But will these changes be enough to break their streak of disappointing finishes? Let’s analyse their squad with a SWOT analysis.
Strengths
- Strong Top Order
GG boasts an explosive top order, featuring Mooney, Dottin, Laura Wolvaardt, and Harleen Deol. Mooney, the World No. 1 T20I batter, is a proven match-winner, while Dottin brings immense experience and power-hitting ability. Harleen has been in great form, and Dayalan Hemalatha adds solidity to the middle order. If the top order clicks, GG will be able to put up competitive totals consistently.
Spin Variety
Spin is a key weapon for GG, with an impressive mix of options. Gardner (off-spin), Tanuja Kanwar (left-arm orthodox), and Priya Mishra (leg-spin) provide tactical flexibility. With most WPL matches being played on spin-friendly surfaces, this trio could be a major asset.
- Quality Fielding Unit
The presence of top-quality fielders like Harleen, Phoebe Litchfield, Gardner, and Tanuja gives GG an edge in the field. In a format where fielding often makes the difference in close games, this could be a game-changer.
Weaknesses
- Weak Pace Attack
GG’s biggest concern is their pace department. Kashvee Gautam, Shabnam Shakil, Sayali Satghare, and Meghna Singh form the core of their pace attack, but none of them have significant international experience. Meghna last played a T20I in 2022, and while Sayali has just made her India debut, she is still raw at this level. In high-pressure matches, particularly in powerplays and death overs, GG’s pacers could struggle against top-quality batting lineups.
- No Backup Wicketkeeper
Mooney is GG’s only designated wicketkeeper, which presents a big risk. If she suffers an injury or goes through a rough patch, GG will have no immediate backup. This also complicates team selection, as it could force them to leave out Wolvaardt, who is currently ranked No. 5 in T20I batting.
Opportunities
Platform for Young Indian Players
GG have consistently invested in young Indian players, and this season is no different. Priya Mishra, Kashvee, Shabnam, and Mannat Kashyap all have a chance to make an impact under the guidance of experienced internationals like Mooney, Gardner, and Dottin. Strong performances in the WPL could push them closer to the national team.
- Gardner’s Captaincy Debut
Gardner is an elite all-rounder, but this will be her first time leading a team in WPL. This is a huge opportunity for her to prove herself as a leader, especially with the added responsibility of managing a squad that has struggled in the past.
Threats
Inexperienced Bowling Lineup
GG’s bowling lacks seasoned international players, which means the batters will be under extra pressure to put up big totals. Against stronger teams with deep batting lineups, GG could struggle to defend scores.
- Captaincy Pressure on Gardner
Gardner has little experience leading at this level, whereas Wolvaardt has been South Africa’s full-time captain and could have been a strong leadership option. If GG struggles early in the tournament, Gardner’s ability to handle pressure will be tested.
- Toss-Dependent Performances
Given their bowling limitations, the toss could play a crucial role in GG’s fortunes. If they have to defend low totals or bowl first on batting-friendly wickets, they could find themselves on the back foot.
GG Squad: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Beth Mooney, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwar, Phoebe Litchfield, Meghna Singh, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Mannat Kashyap, Bharti Fulmali, Sayali Satghare, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Danielle Gibson, Prakashika Naik.
Retained players: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwar, Phoebe Litchfield, Meghna Singh, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Mannat Kashyap, Bharti Fulmali, Sayali Satghare.
New recruits: Deandra Dottin (Rs. 1.70 crore), Simran Shaikh (Rs. 1.90 crore), Danielle Gibson (Rs. 30 lakh), Prakashika Naik (Rs. 10 lakh).
Predicted Playing XI – Beth Mooney (Wk), Deandra Dottin, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Tanuja Kanwar, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil.
Gujarat Giants have made strategic changes in an attempt to improve their performance, but their success will depend heavily on Gardner’s leadership and the ability of their inexperienced bowling attack to step up. Their top order and spin attack are their biggest strengths, but unless they find solutions to their pace-bowling issues, another bottom-of-the-table finish could be on the cards.
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— Gujarat Giants (@Giant_Cricket) February 8, 2025