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Gujarat Giants Seek Blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple Ahead of WPL 2026 Opener

The Gujarat Giants visited Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings ahead of the Women's Premier League 2026 season. The team is currently in Mumbai for a pre-season camp, fine-tuning their strategies after reaching the playoffs for the first time last year. Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue as captain, having led the team to that historic playoff berth. The Giants begin their campaign against UP Warriorz on January 10 at DY Patil Stadium.

Key Points: Gujarat Giants Visit Siddhivinayak Temple Before WPL 2026 Season

  • Team visited temple for pre-season blessings
  • Ashleigh Gardner returns as captain
  • Giants aim to build on first playoff appearance
  • Season opener vs UP Warriorz on Jan 10
2 min read

WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants visit Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to seek blessings

Gujarat Giants visit Siddhivinayak Temple for blessings ahead of WPL 2026. Captain Ashleigh Gardner leads the team seeking to build on last season's playoff momentum.

"Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN - Gujarat Giants"

Mumbai, Jan 5

As the countdown to the Women's Premier League 2026 begins, the Gujarat Giants are blending preparation with perspective. On Monday, the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to seek blessings ahead of the new season, which gets underway on January 9 in Navi Mumbai.

Head coach Michael Klinger and bowling coach Pravin Tambe were joined by players Tanuja Kanwar, Bharti Fulmali, and Ayushi Soni, along with Video Analyst Saurabh Walkar and Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer, Adani Sportsline, at the temple. The visit marked a quiet moment of reflection as the team sharpened its focus for the campaign ahead.

Currently in Mumbai for their pre-season camp, the Giants are fine-tuning combinations and settling into rhythm ahead of what promises to be a demanding season. Having reached the WPL playoffs for the first time last year, the emphasis this time is on building momentum early and sustaining it through the tournament.

Gujarat Giants face UP Warriorz in their WPL 2026 opener on Saturday, January 10, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The side will look to build on last season's momentum as it sets its sights on a title challenge.

Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Women's Premier League (WPL). Gardner, a three-time T20 Women's World Cup winner, assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season. Under her leadership, Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

"Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory," the Giants shared on its social media.

Since WPL's inception in 2023, Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side, scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games. She was one of the two players, the other being Beth Mooney, for Rs. 2.5 crore, retained by the Giants before the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs. 3.5 crore.

Last season, Gardner hogged the limelight with her consistent all-round performances. Batting in the middle-order, Gardner finished as our leading run-scorer in the tournament with 243 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 164.18, while also maintaining an average of 30.37.

The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her right-arm off-spin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 8.03. The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her name.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the team bonding and focusing. But honestly, I hope the temple visit is backed by solid practice on the field. Last season's playoff run was good, but the trophy is what counts. Gardner needs to lead from the front.
A
Aditya G
Ash Gardner retained for 3.5 crore is a smart move. Her stats speak for themselves. If our Indian players like Tanuja and Bharti can step up around her, this could be our year. Jai Ganesh! 🏏
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan from abroad, it's fascinating to see this cultural aspect. In Australia, teams might have a team breakfast or something. This temple visit seems like a very meaningful way to build team spirit and focus. Best of luck to the Giants!
K
Karthik V
Siddhivinayak is the perfect place to seek blessings before a big challenge. Hope the team finds the mental peace and determination needed. The opener against UP Warriorz is crucial – need to start with a win!
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, while seeking blessings is fine, I wish the article focused a bit more on the rigorous training and strategy. The WPL is highly competitive. Hope the "quiet moment of reflection" translates into aggressive intent on the field.

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