WPL 2026: Different people keep standing up, which is a huge positive, says Devine on Gujarat Giants' performance
Navi Mumbai, Jan 16
Gujarat Giants' all-rounder Sophie Devine admitted her side had fallen short in the field in their narrow loss to defending champions Mumbai Indians, but has drawn encouragement from the fact that different people are standing up to perform for the side, which she thinks is a 'huge positive'.
The Ashleigh Gardner-led Gujarat Giants, who have four points currently, are seeking a win after suffering their first defeat of the season to MI.
"It was probably one of those games where we certainly weren't at our best, particularly in the field. But to think that we pushed the Mumbai Indians so closely and nearly snuck across the line again in that final over, there are still plenty of positives," said Sophie in a chat with the broadcasters, ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium here on Friday.
"I think the batting has been outstanding. We actually spoke about it post-game - we've been able to score big totals, but they've all come in slightly different ways. We've had real strengths in different phases, and different people keep standing up, which is a huge positive," she added.
She also said the challenge of containing opposition line-ups on high-scoring surfaces is huge, but added that GG were building confidence within the group. "With the ball, we know it's always going to be tough on these kinds of wickets, quick outfield and short boundaries."
"So we've got to keep finding ways to restrict teams. It would be nice to have an easier game, but we know that's not going to be the case against RCB tonight. It really grows confidence within the group," she added.
Devine singled out Anushka Sharma's composure at number three in the opening match as a boost to the squad and spoke of the enjoyment of opening the batting alongside Australia batter Beth Mooney. "Even in the first game, the way Anushka went out there at No.3, it gives other players confidence that they're good enough to be here and can perform at this level by backing their strengths.
"I'm really enjoying batting with Moons (Mooney) again. I've played a lot of cricket with her at the Perth Scorchers, and having someone at the other end you're really familiar with brings a lot of confidence and calmness to my game," she said.
Looking ahead, Sophie stressed the importance of execution to win games, despite the wealth of analytics available. "That's one of the fantastic things about the support and resources we have. The analysis of every player and every team is literally at your fingertips.
"We're very fortunate to have great analysts on board, but at the end of the day, you can have all the plans in the world, if you don't execute them on the field, they don't mean much," she said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Fielding is where matches are won and lost in T20. Devine is right to point that out. Hope they tighten up. But the positive attitude is key. Anushka Sharma showing composure is a big plus for Indian cricket too.
Honestly, the analysis part she mentioned is so true. We have all the data now, but execution on the day is everything. GG needs to find a way to close out these tight games. The potential is clearly there.
Love watching Devine bat! Her partnership with Mooney sounds like a real strength. It's fantastic for the league to have such experienced international players sharing their insights and boosting local talent like Anushka.
As a Gujarat fan, the batting firepower is exciting, but the bowling needs to find a way on these flat tracks. Devine is a leader, her calmness will help. Hoping for a win against RCB tonight! 🏏
Respectfully, I feel the focus is too much on positives after a loss. Yes, different players contribute, but consistency from the core group like Gardner and Devine herself is what will win the trophy. Need to be critical of the fielding lapses.
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