Trisha Ghosal, Vadodara
The Gujarat Giants may not have dominated the league stage of the Women’s Premier League 2026, but when it came to decisive moments, they found players who could turn games single-handedly. Their campaign has been a story of impact performances rather than complete control.
Nothing defines GG’s season better than the all-round influence of Sophie Devine. Her explosive knock of 95 with the bat was memorable, but it was her nerve with the ball that truly shifted matches. Defending six and seven runs in final overs, she delivered under extreme pressure, the kind of moments that shape a tournament run. Devine wasn’t just contributing; she was deciding outcomes. Devine has scored 237 runs in 8 matches at an average of 33.86 at a strike-rate of 152.90 and has picked up 17 wickets and is the Purple Cap holder.
If Devine provided the drama, Georgia Wareham supplied the tempo. Interestingly, her batting proved more influential than her leg-spin this season. Wareham’s ability to find gaps, rotate strike, and accelerate without reckless hitting gave GG’s middle overs stability and momentum. She played the role of a smart aggressor to perfection.
Captain Ashleigh Gardner also made valuable contributions with the bat, often rescuing innings that threatened to stall. Her power in the middle overs ensured GG could post competitive totals even after cautious starts.
A significant domestic positive came in the form of young Anushka Sharma, who justified the team management’s faith with fearless batting cameos. Meanwhile, the Vadodara leg saw a revival in GG’s spin strength as Rajeshwari Gayakwad found rhythm. By attacking the stumps and varying pace cleverly, she tightened the middle overs and built sustained pressure.
Yet, for all the positives, Gujarat carry clear concerns. Beth Mooney, their experienced opener, hasn’t produced the big scores expected of her. Starts in the 20s and 30s haven’t been converted into match-defining knocks, leaving the top order short of authority. Their new-ball bowlers, including Renuka Singh and Kashvee Gautam, have also struggled to provide early breakthroughs, allowing opponents strong powerplay platforms.
GG’s league stage proves one thing: when their key players fire, they can beat anyone. But to go further, they need collective consistency to match their individual brilliance.
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