Gujarat Giants (GG) they had the best fun ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) The 2025 season under the dynamic leadership of Ashley GardnerA sign of a dramatic change in fortune. After two disappointing campaigns in which they finished bottom of the table, the Giants came 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 displayed composure and consistency, winning four of their eight league-stage matches. Their improved performance was the result of a more balanced lineup and sharp execution across departments. However, their journey ended tragically after a 47-run defeat to Mumbai Indians in the eliminator encounter. Despite an early exit from the playoffs, the season was full of positivity – key players like Gardner, beth mooneyAnd others stood out in key moments and demonstrated the team’s growth as genuine contenders.
Gujarat Giants may retain 5 players before WPL 2026
As the franchise prepares for the WPL 2026 mega auction, the management will want to retain a core group that can continue the momentum and build on their 2025 success. Here is a look at the five players the Gujarat giants could retain – two foreigners, two capped Indians and an uncapped youngster – as they aim to establish themselves as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
1. Ashley Gardner – Heartbeat of Gujarat Giants
- Role: all-rounder and captain
- price in 2025: Rs 3.20 crore
- performance in 2025: 243 runs in 9 matches with 3 half-centuries and 8 wickets
There is no doubt that Gardner will be the first name on Gujarat’s retention list. Gardner, who was appointed as captain ahead of WPL 2025, displayed consistency, leadership and match-winning performances with both bat and ball. He scored 243 runs with three half-centuries and also contributed eight important wickets, which often turned the game in Gujarat’s favour.
His leadership was instrumental in transforming the Giants from underachievers to serious contenders. Gardner’s tactical intelligence, coupled with his aggressive all-round abilities, makes him the ideal captain to take Gujarat to the next stage. As a foreign player who understands Indian conditions well, she remains indispensable to GG’s plans for WPL 2026.
2. Laura Wolvaardt – Classy opener ready for redemption
- Role: opening batter
- price in 2025: Rs 30 lakh
- Performance in 2025: 32 runs in 3 matches
Whereas Laura Wolvaardt After a quiet WPL 2025 season, scoring only 32 runs in three matches, her recent international exploits have rekindled her form and reputation. The South African star rediscovered her performance in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 571 runs at an average of 71 in nine matches, which included back-to-back centuries in the semi-finals and final.
Although South Africa lost to India by a narrow margin in the final, Wolvaardt’s brilliance with the bat reminded the cricket world of his immense talent. His calm but determined batting style and ability to adapt to different match situations makes him an ideal choice to retain. 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 – Trusted Indian all-rounder
- Role: all-rounder
- price in 2025: 40 lakh rupees
- performance in 2025: 232 runs in 9 matches with 1 half-century
indian star Harleen Deol He has been one of Gujarat’s most consistent domestic performers, handling the middle order with maturity and confidence. In WPL 2025, he scored 232 runs, including an important half-century, often playing the role of a stabilizer during challenging chases or top-order collapses.
Apart from his batting, Harleen’s energy on the field and his easy off-spin make him a valuable asset in all three aspects of the game. As a seasoned Indian player with leadership experience and composure under pressure, she fits perfectly into GG’s long-term vision. Retaining him will ensure continuity and depth in the Indian core of the team.
Also read: WPL 2026: 5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) may retain ahead of the Women’s Premier League mega auction
4. Kashvi Gautam – Gujarat needs a strike bowler
- Role: medium pacer
- price in 2025: Rs 2 crore
- Performance in 2025: 11 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 18.18
Kashvi GautamIndia’s record-breaking fast bowler and one of the most expensive uncapped players in WPL history, has justified her price tag in the 2025 season. She was the leading wicket-taker for Gujarat with 11 wickets at an impressive average of 18.18. His consistent pace, control and ability to strike on the powerplay played a vital role in many of GG’s victories.
As one of India’s most promising young fast bowlers, Kashvi is expected to develop further with experience. Given his potential to become one of India’s premier T20 bowlers in the near future, the giants will undoubtedly retain him as the spearhead of their pace attack.
5. Shabnam Shakeel – A young gun with a bright future
- Role:medium fast bowler
- price in 2025: Rs 10 lakh
- performance in 2025: 4 wickets in 4 matches
At just 18 years old, Shabnam Shakeel Gu represents the future of the Giants’ bowling lineup. The young fast bowler, who was part of the India U19 women’s team, impressed in limited opportunities during the WPL 2025 and took four wickets in as many matches.
Shabnam has still shown the ability to create movement with the new ball and maintain composure under pressure. It is expected that the Gujarat management will consider it as a long-term asset and invest in its development. Retaining him will not only secure a talented uncapped player, but will also strengthen the franchise’s focus on nurturing emerging Indian talent.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
