WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner named new Gujarat Giants captain, Beth Mooney sacked

Australia allrounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed the new captain of Gujarat Giants. Gardner will replace her fellow Australian teammate Beth Mooney, who continues to have a significant presence in the team.

Gardner will take over the role from the upcoming season of the Women's Premier League. She is a key part of Australia's team across all the formats and has played a significant role in their unprecedented success over the years.

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Ashleigh Gardner replaces Beth Mooney as Gujarat Giants captain

A proven match-winner and a fearless competitor will now lead the #Giant pack! 💪🧡

Welcome, Captain Ashleigh Gardner who is ready to take charge in #TATAWPL2025! 😍#GujaratGiants #BringItOn #Adani pic.twitter.com/iK9Bu7ipa6

— Gujarat Giants (@Giant_Cricket) February 5, 2025

Ashleigh Gardner has been a key part of Gujarat Giants squad ever since the beginning of the WPL. In the two seasons, the allrounder has scored 324 runs at an average of 21.60 and a strike rate of 128.57. She also picked up 17 wickets with the ball at an average of 27.23 and an economy rate of 8.49.

Gardner will be aiming to turn around the fortunes of Gujarat Giants who have finished last in the points table in both the seasons so far. Giants have been the worst performing team in the WPL history so far with just 4 wins in 16 matches.

After her appointment, the 27-year-old Gardner expressed pleasure and was honored to become the captain of Gujarat Giants. She eagerly looks forward to the season where she will be working with plenty of talent.

"It is an absolute honour for me to be named the captain of Gujarat Giants. I have loved being a part of this team and I am excited to lead this fantastic group in the upcoming season. 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," Gardner stated.

Michael Klinger welcomes Ashleigh Gardner, thanks Beth Mooney

Giants head coach Michael Klinger also expressed confidence in Gardner and hailed her game awareness and talent to lead the team. He also thanked the previous captain Beth Mooney and claimed that she will be able to concentrate on her keeping now.

"She (Ashleigh Gardner) 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," Klinger said.

"I would like to thank (Beth) 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 group," he added.

Ashleigh Gardner's international records

Ashleigh Gardner has established herself as a world-class allrounder over the years after making her international debut in 2017. She is known for her power game in the middle and lower order.

Adding to it, she is also a capable offspinner who can bowl at any stage of the game. She won the Belinda Clark medal a couple of times on the back of her all-round performances for the team.

Gardner played a vital role in Australia's Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning run in 2022 where they defeated India in the final. She also won the award for the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2023 played in South Africa where Australia won the title.