Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed as the captain of Gujarat Giants for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Gardner, a key player in Australian cricket since making her debut in 2017, has been an integral part of Gujarat Giants since the league’s inception.
A two-time winner of the prestigious Belinda Clark Award, Gardner has played a vital role in Australia’s success on the international stage. She was instrumental in securing gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Over the last two seasons of WPL, she has contributed significantly with both bat and ball, scoring 324 runs and claiming 17 wickets.
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Expressing her excitement about taking on the leadership role, Gardner said, “It is an absolute honour for me to be named the captain of Gujarat Giants. I have loved being a part of this team and I am excited to lead this fantastic group in the upcoming season. We have a great mix of young and experienced players and plenty of Indian talent in our squad. I am looking forward to working with the team and making our fans proud.”
Gujarat Giants’ head coach Michael Klinger backed Gardner’s appointment, emphasizing her competitive nature and leadership qualities. “She is a fierce competitor. Her game awareness, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire players make her the ideal choice to captain Gujarat Giants. We believe she will lead from the front and guide the team towards a successful campaign,” Klinger said.
Beth Mooney, who captained the side last season, will now shift her focus solely to wicketkeeping and opening the batting. Klinger acknowledged her contribution, stating, “I would like to thank Mooney for her highly valued leadership. Now, she will be able to focus on wicketkeeping and opening the batting lineup. She continues to be a major leader of our group.”
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, also praised Gardner’s appointment, highlighting her leadership qualities and commitment to the team’s vision. “Gardner embodies the spirit of Gujarat Giants with her dedication, skill, and leadership. Her appointment as captain reiterates our commitment to building a world-class team that competes at the highest level. We are confident that under her captaincy, the team will put up a stellar performance in WPL.”
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