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The Gujarat Giants (GG) enjoyed their best-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) season in 2025 under the dynamic leadership of , marking a dramatic turnaround in fortunes. After two disappointing campaigns that saw them finish at the bottom of the table, the Giants bounced back strongly to finish third in the league and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their history.
Gujarat Giants’ campaign in WPL 2025
The team showcased grit and consistency, winning four of their eight league-stage matches. Their improved performance was a result of a more balanced lineup and sharper execution across departments. However, their journey ended in heartbreak after a 47-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator clash. Despite the early playoff exit, the season was filled with positives — key players like Gardner, , and others stood tall in critical moments, showcasing the team’s evolution into genuine contenders.
5 players Gujarat Giants can retain ahead of WPL 2026
As the franchise prepares for the WPL 2026 mega auction, the management will look to retain a core group that can continue the momentum and build on their 2025 success. Here’s a look at five players Gujarat Giants are likely to retain – two overseas, two capped Indians, and one uncapped youngster – as they aim to establish themselves as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
1. Ashleigh Gardner – The heartbeat of Gujarat Giants
- Role: All-rounder and captain
- Price in 2025: INR 3.20 crore
- Performance in 2025: 243 runs in 9 matches with 3 fifties and 8 wickets
There’s no doubt that Gardner will be the first name on Gujarat’s retention list. Appointed as captain ahead of WPL 2025, Gardner brought stability, leadership, and match-winning performances with both bat and ball. She scored 243 runs with three half-centuries and also contributed with eight crucial wickets, often turning games in Gujarat’s favour.
Her leadership played a pivotal role in transforming the Giants from underachievers to serious contenders. Gardner’s tactical intelligence, coupled with her aggressive all-round abilities, makes her the perfect captain to lead Gujarat into the next phase. As an overseas player who understands Indian conditions well, she remains indispensable to GG’s plans for WPL 2026.
2. Laura Wolvaardt – The classy opener ready for redemption
- Role: Opening batter
- Price in 2025: INR 30 lakhs
- Performance in 2025: 32 runs in 3 matches
While Laura Wolvaardt endured a quiet WPL 2025 season, managing only 32 runs in three matches, her recent international exploits have reignited her form and reputation. The South African star rediscovered her touch in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 571 runs in nine games at an average of 71, including back-to-back centuries in the semi-final and final.
Though South Africa narrowly lost to India in the final, Wolvaardt’s brilliance with the bat has reminded the cricketing world of her immense talent. Her calm yet assertive batting style and ability to adapt to various match situations make her an ideal choice for retention. The Giants will likely back her to return to form in the WPL and form a lethal opening pair with Beth Mooney in 2026.
3. Harleen Deol – The dependable Indian all-rounder
- Role: All-rounder
- Price in 2025: INR 40 lakhs
- Performance in 2025: 232 runs in 9 matches with 1 fifty
Indian star Harleen Deol has been one of Gujarat’s most consistent domestic performers, anchoring the middle order with maturity and confidence. In WPL 2025, she amassed 232 runs, including a crucial half-century, often playing the role of stabilizer during challenging chases or top-order collapses.
Beyond her batting, Harleen’s energy on the field and her handy off-spin make her a valuable asset in all three facets of the game. As a capped Indian player with leadership experience and composure under pressure, she fits perfectly into GG’s long-term vision. Retaining her would ensure continuity and depth in the team’s Indian core.
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4. Kashvee Gautam – The strike bowler Gujarat must build around
- Role: Medium pacer
- Price in 2025: INR 2 crore
- Performance in 2025: 11 wickets in 9 games with an average of 18.18
Kashvee Gautam, India’s record-breaking pacer and one of the most expensive uncapped players in WPL history, justified her price tag in the 2025 season. She finished as Gujarat’s leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets at an impressive average of 18.18. Her consistent pace, control, and ability to strike in the powerplay were instrumental in several of GG’s victories.
As one of India’s most promising young fast bowlers, Kashvee is expected to evolve further with experience. The Giants will undoubtedly retain her as the spearhead of their pace attack, considering her potential to become one of India’s premier T20 bowlers in the near future.
5. Shabnam Shakil – The young gun with a bright future
- Role: Medium pacer
- Price in 2025: INR 10 lakhs
- Performance in 2025: 4 wickets in 4 matches
At just 18 years old, Shabnam Shakil represents the future of Gujarat Giants’ bowling lineup. The young pacer, who was part of India’s U19 Women’s setup, impressed in limited opportunities during WPL 2025, picking up four wickets in as many matches.
While still raw, Shabnam has shown the ability to generate movement with the new ball and maintain composure under pressure. Gujarat’s management is expected to invest in her development, viewing her as a long-term asset. Retaining her would not only secure a talented uncapped player but also strengthen the franchise’s focus on nurturing emerging Indian talent.
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
