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Gujarat Giants Eye WPL 2026 Playoffs with Home Support, Says Coach Klinger

Gujarat Giants' coach Michael Klinger expressed confidence in his team's playoff chances despite recent losses, emphasizing the need to adjust strategy for home conditions in Vadodara. Captain Ashleigh Gardner highlighted the importance of trusting team preparation and building a cohesive environment for the final push. Players like Renuka Singh discussed adapting to the local pitch, while young batter Anushka Sharma shared her positive experience batting in her natural position. The team now prepares for a crucial fixture against UP Warriorz at Kotambi Stadium.

Key Points: Gujarat Giants Target WPL 2026 Playoff Spot, Says Coach

  • Team aims for playoff spot
  • Strategy tweak for home conditions
  • Focus on team environment and processes
  • Young players gaining confidence
2 min read

WPL 2026: Still very much in competition, says coach Klinger as Gujarat Giants expect a strong finish in playoff race

Coach Michael Klinger says Gujarat Giants are still in the playoff race as they prepare for final home matches in Vadodara's WPL 2026 season.

"With three matches still to go, we remain very much in the competition. - Michael Klinger"

Vadodara, Jan 20

After two wins and three losses, including one at home in Vadodara, Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants will go all out in their final three matches of the WPL 2026 as they fancy their chances of making the playoffs at Kotambi Stadium.

Addressing the Vadodara media on Tuesday, players and coaches of the Adani Sportsline-owned team reflected on the season so far and underlined the significance of returning to Kotambi Stadium and playing in front of their home supporters.

Head Coach Michael Klinger said, "Our initial strategy was to find the right combination, especially for our playing XI. We've spoken to the group about the brand of cricket we want to play and the targets we aim to achieve, both in Mumbai and now in Vadodara. I felt we played some really good cricket in our first couple of games with two solid wins, but in the last three matches we've fallen a little off the pace and haven't played quite at our best. With three matches still to go, we remain very much in the competition. We will have to tweak our strategy slightly, especially with the playing conditions being different here."

Captain Ashleigh Gardner echoed the belief within the group. "We've played some good cricket and some not-so-good cricket, but it's important to trust your preparation as individuals and as a team. We're focused on building an environment where everyone is gelling well. For us, it's about sticking to our processes and hopefully putting on stronger performances for our home crowd in these last three games."

Senior pacer Renuka Singh spoke about adapting to conditions in Vadodara. "The wicket here has been slightly different, with different soil and a bit less bounce. As bowlers, we need to adjust quickly to the conditions, and it's great to be playing in front of our home crowd."

Young debutant Anushka Sharma, who is enjoying a promising season, shared her experience. "It's been special so far. I've been given a clear role and the opportunity to bat in my natural position at one down, which has helped my confidence. Every day has been a new learning experience for me."

Gujarat Giants will take on UP Warriorz in their next WPL 2026 fixture at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, in a few days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see WPL getting this coverage! Anushka Sharma's story is inspiring for young girls across India. It's not just about winning, it's about building a strong women's sports culture. Hope they finish strong! 🏏
R
Rohit P
Honestly, the team management needs to be questioned. They had a good start but lost momentum. Just "tweaking strategy slightly" might not be enough. Need more aggressive intent from the top order, especially in the powerplay.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Vadodara, the atmosphere is building up! Kotambi Stadium looks great on TV. Gardner is a world-class captain. If the Indian players like Renuka and the young ones step up, playoffs are definitely possible.
K
Karthik V
The key is adapting to home conditions. Renuka Singh pointed it out correctly. Vadodara's wicket is different from Mumbai. Hope the think tank has done their homework. UP Warriorz won't be easy. Jai Gujarat!
M
Michael C
Klinger's right about finding the right combination. Sometimes in a league, it takes a few games to settle. The positive talk is good, but they need to convert it into performances on the field now. All the best for the final push.

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