Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been reappointed captain of Gujarat Giants ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season, as the franchise sticks with continuity and leadership after a positive turnaround last year.
The Giants confirmed the decision on Monday through a post on X, backing Gardner to lead the side for a second straight season as they chase their first WPL title.
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Backed by trust after 2025 turnaround
Gardner had already captained the side in WPL 2025 and was one of only two players retained by the franchise before the mega auction in November, the other being Beth Mooney. The move underlined the franchise’s faith in Gardner’s leadership after she guided the team to their first-ever playoff appearance.
“Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory,” the franchise wrote while announcing the decision.
Strong numbers with bat and ball
Across the first three WPL seasons, Gardner has played 25 matches for the Giants, scoring 567 runs at a strike rate of 141.75, including five half-centuries. She has also contributed with the ball, picking up 25 wickets at an economy rate of 8.34.
After struggling in the initial seasons, Gujarat finally found momentum under Gardner’s leadership in 2025, reaching the playoffs before being knocked out in the Eliminator.
Squad depth boosts title hopes
For WPL 2026, Gardner will lead a balanced and experienced squad featuring fellow Australians Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham, along with proven international names Sophie Devine and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. The Giants open their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10.
With a settled core and growing confidence, the franchise will be aiming to take the next step and push for the title.
World Cup focus remains clear
The upcoming WPL season comes just months before the T20 World Cup in England, and Gardner has been candid about Australia’s recent ICC tournament setbacks. Despite disappointments at recent World Cups, she remains confident in her side’s quality.
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“The last couple of World Cups have been frustrating because of the way that they’ve ended. But I still believe that we’re the best team,” Gardner said in a recent interview, adding that the pressure faced recently could prove valuable going forward.
Australia are also set to host India, the reigning 50-over world champions, for a full bilateral series featuring T20Is, ODIs and a Test in February and March next year, keeping Gardner firmly in the spotlight across formats.
