Vadodara, Feb 4 (NationPress) Head coach Michael Klinger expressed that the Gujarat Giants' WPL 2026 season showcased significant advancement, despite an overarching feeling of unmet objectives, as the team wrapped up their journey with a defeat against Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator on Tuesday.

Finishing second on the points table marked a commendable step forward, reflecting that the Giants managed to keep their poise in tightly contested matches throughout the league phase. Yet, it also highlighted areas needing enhancement, particularly in crucial moments.

The Giants completed a clean sweep against UP Warriorz, broke a lengthy winless spell against the Mumbai Indians, and achieved narrow victories over Delhi Capitals twice in last-over finishes, with Sophie Devine's poise under pressure being instrumental.

The victories were often by slim margins, and their confidence was evident, although defeats against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in both matches hindered a better standing in the league phase. Klinger remarked that the season ended in disappointment once again, as the Giants missed out on consecutive Eliminators in 2025 and 2026.

“Yeah, certainly, finishing outright second this year is a huge improvement. Probably the two finals (Eliminators) we played, both last year and this year, we just didn't play at our best. We spoke about it today in our team meeting - that when we play close to our best, we're a chance to beat any team in this competition - and we just weren't quite there today, in our batting and our bowling,” Klinger stated during the post-match media interaction.

Nevertheless, the overall assessment remained optimistic. “We've learned a lot about our squad this year. Whether we won the final or not, or the championship or not, we're pretty clear on the areas we need to improve next year. We've got plenty of time - about 10 months now - to watch more cricket from both local and overseas players, tinker a little bit, and hopefully come back bigger and stronger next year.”

“To qualify two years in a row, there are always teams who would much prefer to be where we are than already gone home. So we're satisfied with that, but at the same time we're aiming for bigger things. It didn't happen this year, but we'll keep giving ourselves a chance by qualifying, and hopefully next year we'll play stronger cricket in the bigger games,” he added.

Klinger expressed his belief in the Indian talent within the squad, considering this season as a stepping stone rather than a pinnacle.

“I think it's about players taking the next step. Anushka (Sharma) had a good season for her first year. She got a lot of good starts, which for a young player is fantastic. The next step for her is realizing how good she is, and that she can be a 300-plus run WPL player going forward. She's a fantastic player and person, and she's probably a big chance to play for India before next year's WPL. I hope she does, because that international experience will help her for us next year as well.”

Klinger highlighted the performance of Bharti (Fulmali), stating that she started the season well but struggled due to the lower bounce in Vadodara. He emphasized the importance of belief in the players' potential to not just contribute but dominate like other Indian batters in the competition.

Klinger also discussed aspects of effort, balance, and potential improvements from a bowling standpoint. He cited the narrow victories over DC as evidence of the team's fighting spirit, which they cherish.

“The two wins against Delhi showed our fighting spirit - even when we were up against it in the last six balls. We talk about that a lot. In our team room, we have a big sign that says 'fight'. We'll certainly speak to all the players - maybe not tonight with emotions running high, but over time. Everyone's going back to domestic cricket, and there are areas everyone can work on, whether it's our quicks or our spinners.”

“I think our fast bowlers were really good when the ball was swinging. The next step for them as T20 bowlers is what their go-to option is when the ball stops swinging. That's something they can work on. Happy Kumari is a fantastic young bowler. I heard she didn't get picked for an upcoming domestic team, which I find amazing, because there aren't many with her pace, line and length. I hope she keeps getting opportunities, because she's got something special and she'll be back with us next year, and we can really unleash her,” Klinger remarked.

As for the spinners, who had a lesser role this season, Klinger explained, “Our spinners didn't get as many overs this year - TK (Tanuja Kanwer) and Raj (Rajeshwari Gayakwad) - but that was more about our team make-up. We had a lot of all-rounders: Ash (Gardner), Georgia (Wareham), Sophie Devine. We didn't have Georgia last year. With three overseas all-rounders bowling, it wasn't a reflection on the spinners, just how we balanced our overs.”