Gujarat Giants (GG), under Ashleigh Gardner’s captaincy, qualified for the eliminator in WPL 2025 before getting knocked out by the eventual champions, Mumbai Indians (MI). It was the first time the franchise managed to reach the playoffs.
Now, under Gardner’s leadership once again, GG will look to go a step further in pursuit of their maiden WPL title. However, while there are areas that can help them, there are also a few that could pose challenges.
Here is a SWOT analysis of the GG squad ahead of the new season.
Strengths
Strong overseas batters
GG have assembled a strong overseas batting group with the likes of Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Devine, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. While Mooney and Gardner were retained, the addition of Devine and Wyatt-Hodge adds further depth and experience. These overseas batters will be crucial to GG’s success.
Quality Indian pacers
GG’s pace bowling unit will be closely watched, with Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, and Kashvee Gautam forming a strong Indian core. Renuka and Titas are likely to handle the new ball, while Kashvee provides support as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Having quality Indian pacers allows GG greater flexibility with overseas selections in the batting line-up.
Strong spin bowling unit
GG boast several quality spinners, including Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, and Rajeshwari Gaikwad. The inclusion of Wareham will depend on the preferred combination, as options like Kanika, Tanuja, or Rajeshwari can help make the XI more balanced and flexible.
Weaknesses
Overdependence on overseas players
GG’s playoff qualification last season was driven largely by Ashleigh Gardner’s outstanding all-round performance. In WPL 2025, she scored 243 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 164.18, along with eight wickets. Another big season will be expected from Beth Mooney as well, making both automatic selections.
For the remaining overseas slots, GG will need to choose wisely between Devine, Wyatt-Hodge, Kim Garth, and Wareham based on conditions and opposition. The performances of these overseas players will largely decide GG’s fortunes.
Opportunities
Stage for a breakthrough season
This WPL presents a huge opportunity for players like Kashvee and Titas. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, India will be keen to identify reliable seam-bowling all-round options. Kashvee could emerge as a strong backup if she produces a standout season.
For Titas, this tournament is equally important. Injuries and inconsistency have pushed her out of Team India contention in recent times. A strong WPL could help her regain the selectors’ attention and revive her international prospects.
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Threats
Fitness concerns
Players like Yastika Bhatia and Kashvee are returning after injury setbacks. While Kashvee has played some domestic matches after recovering from a calf injury, Yastika is coming back from a serious left knee injury that ruled her out of the ODI World Cup. Managing fitness in a demanding tournament like the WPL will be crucial.
Finding the ideal team combination
GG must identify their best playing XI as early as possible. With success heavily dependent on overseas players, choosing the right combination alongside Gardner and Mooney will be key. Options include Wyatt-Hodge for recent form in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Kim Garth for pace, Wareham for spin and lower-order batting, or Devine for overall balance. The quicker GG settle on the right mix, the smoother their campaign is likely to be.
Full Squad
Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney (WK), Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Shivani Singh (WK), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Ayushi Soni.
Also Read: WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals – SWOT Analysis
