Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants are set to make their mark in the third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). With a refreshed squad and key signings, the team is poised to make a strong impression in the 2025 edition, which will feature their maiden home outing in Vadodara.

The Homecoming

The Gujarat Giants will kick off the tournament on 14 Feb 2025 when they face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the BCA Stadium. The venue will host the first six WPL matches, offering local fans a rare chance to see their team in action on home turf. Gujarat will play a total of three matches at home, including games against UP Warriorz on 16 Feb and Mumbai Indians on 18 Feb.

The team will then head to Bengaluru for their next matches, where they’ll face Delhi Capitals on 25 Feb and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 27 Feb. Later, Gujarat Giants will travel to Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium for fixtures against UP Warriorz on 3 Mar and Delhi Capitals on 7 Mar, before heading to Mumbai for the business end of the tournament, where the playoffs will also be held.

Key Signings for 2025 Season

Gujarat Giants have undergone a strategic rebuild, making crucial signings during the auction. Simran Shaikh, the team’s most expensive acquisition at INR 1.90 Crore, stands out. The explosive batter, who scored 176 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 100.57 in the 2024 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, will be looking to showcase her power-hitting skills.

Star Players to Watch

Beth Mooney, the stalwart wicketkeeper-batter, remains an integral part of the squad. With 3002 runs in 100 T20Is, Mooney is one of the most consistent players in world cricket. Harleen Deol, fresh off a maiden ODI century against the West Indies at the BCA Stadium in Dec '24, is also expected to carry her fine form into the WPL.

Dayalan Hemalatha, who boasts 266 runs in 16 WPL matches at a strike rate of 143.78, brings both batting and bowling flexibility to the team. Alongside her, Australia's Phoebe Litchfield—coming off an impressive Women's Big Bash League campaign with 342 runs in 12 matches—will add depth to the top order.

International Stars and All-rounders

The team’s all-round capabilities are further bolstered by the inclusion of South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, who is the leading run-scorer in T20s for her country. Ashleigh Gardner, one of the top all-rounders in the game, brings 1411 runs and 78 wickets from 95 T20Is, while ‘World Boss’ Deandra Dottin and England’s Danielle Gibson will provide additional balance and firepower.

Indian Contingent

On the Indian front, the Gujarat Giants have added promising players like Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwer, Mannat Kashyap, and Meghna Singh to the squad. These players will look to play a pivotal role in the bowling department and contribute to the team’s success.

Experienced Coaching Staff

The Gujarat Giants’ coaching setup has seen some exciting additions. Michael Klinger continues as the head coach, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. He will be supported by Daniel Marsh, the new batting coach, and Pravin Tambe, who joins as the bowling coach.

Tambe’s “never give up” attitude, honed through his coaching stints with IPL teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, will be crucial for the squad. Marsh, who has previously worked as Head Coach of the Tasmania Men's team and Assistant Coach for the Australian Women’s Cricket Team, will focus on refining techniques and fostering an attacking mindset. The trio will work in tandem to create a winning culture within the Gujarat Giants squad.

Gujarat Giants Squad for WPL 2025

• Ashleigh Gardner
• Beth Mooney
• Dayalan Hemalatha
• Harleen Deol
• Laura Wolvaardt
• Shabnam Shakil
• Tanuja Kanwer
• Phoebe Litchfield
• Meghna Singh
• Kashvee Gautam
• Priya Mishra
• Mannat Kashyap
• Bharti Fulmali
• Sayali Satghare
• Deandra Dottin
• Simran Shaikh
• Danielle Gibson
• Prakashika Naik

With a solid blend of experience and dynamic talent, Gujarat Giants are poised to make a powerful impact in WPL 2025. The team’s strategic rebuild, combined with key signings and a mix of seasoned players, sets the stage for a competitive and exciting season. As they take on some of the best teams in the league, the Giants will be determined to make their mark and push for a spot in the playoffs, aiming to showcase their true potential and contend for the title.