Mumbai, Jan 6 (NationPress) As the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off on January 9, the Gujarat Giants are entering the new season with a fresh sense of confidence and a clear vision. Following a remarkable playoff performance last year, the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise is now intent on achieving consistency and advancing to the next level of competition.

During a pre-season media interaction in Mumbai on Tuesday, the players, coaching staff, and team leadership shared their strategies for the upcoming season. Key figures at the event included captain Ashleigh Gardner, Kashvee Gautam, Women’s World Cup champion Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor, and Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline.

The Giants will commence their WPL 2026 journey on January 10 against UP Warriorz. They are set to play their initial four matches in Navi Mumbai before transitioning to Vadodara from January 19 for the concluding phase of the league stage.

After making their home debut in Vadodara last season, the team returns to the venue, eager to showcase their talent in front of the enthusiastic Giants Army. With a roster that combines seasoned international players and promising Indian talent, the franchise aims for another playoff qualification and a deeper run in the tournament.

On the occasion, captain Ashleigh Gardner remarked, “As a captain, balance is essential, not just in skills, but also in uniting international and Indian players. It can be challenging, but having the right people around makes a significant difference. Much of the groundwork occurs before game one, building trust and understanding, ensuring everyone feels confident when we step onto the field. I strive to embrace the culture to enhance the experience and ease the journey.”

Head coach Michael Klinger noted, “The most significant lesson from last year was that the games we excelled in were those where we executed the little things well, whether in the field, batting, or bowling. Our squad comprises match-winners, and when we consistently outperformed the opposition in those crucial moments, we secured victories.”

Women’s World Cup champion Renuka Singh stated, “Our focus is clear; we aim to win the trophy. We have an exceptional team, and personally, I strive to fulfill my responsibilities and maintain a robust mentality. The WPL has evolved significantly over the years, gaining recognition, and we are committed to delivering our best.”

Fielding Coach Sarah Taylor expressed, “Fielding is a vital component of modern cricket, and I aim to instill an aggressive mindset. We elevate standards through rigorous drills, ensuring all players embrace the intensity required at the international level. The more players are exposed to these standards, the better it is for both the team and the sport.”

Kashvee Gautam added, “My focus is to perform for the team. Whether bowling, batting, or fielding, I always aim to make an impact and deliver breakthroughs when necessary. My journey changed after the WPL, including receiving my India call-up, and practicing with international players has simplified things. I aspire to contribute in every way possible to make a meaningful impact for the team.”

Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, shared, “The progress we made in 2025 boosts our confidence that we are heading in the right direction as a franchise. We remain committed to humility off the field while being aggressive and competitive on it. This squad exemplifies our belief in blending world-class experience with Indian talent, fostering an environment for player growth and expression. We are thrilled about what this group can accomplish together in WPL 2026.”

Gujarat Giants squad for WPL 2026:

Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni