Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed as Gujarat Giants captain for the upcoming WPL 2025 season with Beth Mooney been relieved of captain duties.
The move comes after two tough seasons for the Giants, having finished in bottom in two seasons.
Gardner was one of the Giants best performers over two frustrating campaigns scoring 324 runs and bagging 17 wickets across the WPL. The all-rounder said that she was excited to lead the team.
“It is an absolute honour for me to be named the captain of Gujarat Giants,” Gardner said.
“I have loved being a part of this team and I am excited to lead this fantastic group in the upcoming season.”
🚨 Captain Announcement 🚨
Ashleigh Gardner is the 🆕 Gujarat Giants Captain Ⓒ and will lead the team from #TATAWPL 2025 onwards 👌@Giant_Cricket pic.twitter.com/x8CUVHY0Oq
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2025
“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.”
On the other hand, head coach Michael Klinger was looking forward to work with Gardner and labelled as a fierce competitior.
“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.”
He also revealed that Beth Mooney will continue to have leadership role withing the team and will be a batting mainstay for the franchise.
“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 ground,” concluded Michael Klinger.
Ashleigh Gardner won the prestigious Belinda Clark in Australia Cricket Awards. Gardner who made her Australia in 2017, has impressive credentials with 95 T20Is under her belt. She has accumulated over 1400 runs and claimed 78 wickets with her off-spin bowling.
