Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed Gujarat Giants captain for the Women’s Premier League 2026 after being retained for Rs 3.50 crore ahead of the new season.
Gujarat Giants have named Ashleigh Gardner as their captain for the 2026 Women’s Premier League. The tournament begins on January 9 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. GG confirmed the decision on Monday through its official social media channels.
The 28-year-old Australian all-rounder has been a key figure for the Giants. She has featured in 25 WPL matches across the last three seasons and remains central to the team’s plans. Ahead of the WPL 2026 auction in Delhi, the franchise retained Gardner for Rs 3.50 crore.
Moreover, she has featured in 282 T20 matches for Australia, Gujarat Giants, Trent Rockets and Sydney Sixers. Across those games, she has scored 5091 runs, claimed 242 wickets and taken 102 catches.
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Gardner also captained Gujarat Giants during the 2025 WPL season after taking over leadership duties from Beth Mooney. Under her guidance, the team won four of their nine league matches. Gujarat finished inside the top three and reached the knockout stage. Their campaign ended in the Eliminator, where Mumbai Indians secured an 11-run win.
She last appeared in competitive action on December 11, 2025, during the Women’s Big Bash League. Gardner led the Sydney Sixers in that season, scoring 143 runs in 10 matches and taking 19 wickets.
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