WPL 2026: Gardner Finds Added Drive Against Indian-Led Sides

Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who leads the Gujarat Giants, believes encounters against Indian-captained teams add an extra edge in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. Speaking ahead of the season opener, she highlighted the immense popularity Indian players enjoy and the competitive atmosphere they create.

Praising the Indian women’s team for their recent surge and World Cup triumph, Gardner said such success has elevated the stature of Indian captains.

Notably, three of the five WPL franchises are led by Indian players. This gives the Giants several high-profile challenges during the season.

“There’s always extra motivation to beat teams with Indian captains. I’ve heard a lot of media recently talking about the World Cup, and I think the greatest thing to come out of it was that it almost felt scripted for India to win, playing a World Cup on home soil and lifting the trophy. I’ve felt those same emotions, and it was amazing. So I can only imagine what it must have felt like for these guys as well,” said Ashleigh Gardner, speaking on ‘TATA WPL: Curtain Raiser’.

However, Gardner’s wait to face an Indian captain will continue, as Gujarat Giants open their campaign against UP Warriorz at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Importantly, Meg Lanning, Gardner’s former international skipper and one of the most respected leaders in the game, will captain the Warriorz.

Returning to India after Australia’s disappointing World Cup exit, Gardner said playing franchise cricket in the country feels special. Furthermore, she described the WPL as among the world’s best leagues and expressed excitement about captaining Gujarat Giants once again.

Lanning Embraces Fresh Responsibility

Meanwhile, UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning shared her enthusiasm about leading a new franchise. Reuniting with Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, Lanning said she was keen to learn from her teammate, who played a crucial role in India’s recent World Cup success.

Having earlier guided Delhi Capitals to three consecutive WPL finals, Lanning admitted that she faces challenges in adapting to a new squad.

Nevertheless, she said the opportunity to shape a different team environment excites her greatly.

With experienced captains on both sides, the opening match between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz promises intensity and quality cricket. Ultimately, as WPL 2026 begins, leadership battles and player motivation will drive another compelling season of women’s franchise cricket.

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