After finishing at the bottom of the table for two seasons in a row, Gujarat Giants made heads turn with a spirited resurgence that saw them seal a playoff berth.
The Giants even had a chance to audaciously try to top the table and secure a final berth directly — albeit that needed some help from other results in the final leg of the league stage.
Here’s a look at how Gujarat has done in crunch games in the WPL
2023: A season plagued by bad luck
Gujarat Giants, in season one, was coached by Nooshin Al Khadeer with Mithali Raj on board as a mentor. The side’s campaign was hit early with erstwhile captain Beth Mooney getting injured in the very first game of the season. A calf injury ruled her out of the season with Sneh Rana taking over interim leadership duties.
The Giants only managed two wins in this season, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals.
2024: Mooney returns, good fortune doesn’t
With Mooney back and a new head coach in Michael Klinger figuring his way around the franchise, Gujarat hoped for better results. But it finished with just two wins (vs UP Warriorz and RCB) in this season too. Sneh ceased to find a regular place in the XI with Ash Gardner being the preferred offie. Harleen Deol’s injury meant a key resource in the middle order was missing for the Giants.
2025: New captain, bowling shines
Ash Gardner has been a revelation as skipper with the Giants setup. She has been able to command the resources in hand well. Deandra Dottin’s addition has not just brought in a power hitter but a successful strike bowler in the PowerPlay who has chipped in with big wickets and kept her economy tight. The biggest shot in the arm for the franchise has been the return of Kashvee Gautam. The pace bowling allrounder has been crucial to GG’s upswing this season. Finding herself in the top half of the top wicket takers bracket, Kashvee’s return from injury has been inspirational.
Mooney and Gardner have been in lethal touch and have often singlehandedly turned games in GG’s favour. Indian talent like Bharti Fulmali and Simran Shaikh have also contributed in crunch moments. Harleen has found form after a slow start. Priya Mishra’s leg spin gives Gardner four more overs of spin which was not available to the team before. The team has been hot and cold in the field but have looked better as the season progressed.
They come into the Eliminator with four wins in eight games, which is equal to the total wins they had overall before this edition began. The side will hope to be able to ride the high and enter the final beating Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator to earn a spot in the final alongside Delhi Capitals.