Gujarat Giants Retain Gardner and Mooney: Why They Reflect Team Ethos

Gujarat Giants have made their first big move ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction by retaining Australian stars Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney. Head coach Michael Klinger emphasized that both players perfectly reflect the team's playing ethos and values. The retention comes after the franchise's breakthrough season where they made their maiden playoffs appearance in 2025. With 16 slots to fill at the upcoming mega auction, the team is looking to build around their retained core while adding fresh talent.

Key Points: Gujarat Giants Retain Gardner Mooney for WPL 2026 Mega Auction

  • Gardner captained GG in WPL 2025 scoring 243 runs with tournament-high 18 sixes
  • Mooney amassed 237 runs including two half-centuries during 2025 season
  • Franchise released 16 players including Harleen Deol and Laura Wolvaardt
  • Team aims to fill 16 slots at mega auction after maiden playoffs appearance
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WPL 2026: Retaining Gardner and Mooney reflects in our playing ethos, says Klinger

Gujarat Giants retain Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney ahead of WPL 2026 mega auction. Coach Michael Klinger says duo reflects team's playing ethos after maiden playoffs appearance.

"We've retained two strong players who reflect our playing ethos, and we're eager to add fresh energy at the auction - Michael Klinger"

New Delhi, Nov 6

Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants on Thursday announced they have retained Australian players Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney ahead of the 2026 WPL mega auction, with head coach Michael Klinger saying the duo have the qualities which reflect their playing ethos.

Ashleigh captained GG in WPL 2025 and scored 243 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 164 with 18 sixes, the most by any batter in the tournament. She also picked up eight wickets at an economy rate of eight. Beth, meanwhile, amassed 237 runs in nine innings at a healthy strike rate of 128, including registering two half-centuries during the 2025 season.

"We played an exciting brand of cricket last season, and while parting ways with some players is always tough, it's part of the league's evolution. We've retained two strong players who reflect our playing ethos, and we're eager to add fresh energy at the auction to take the team forward," said head coach Michael Klinger in a statement.

The retentions of Ashleigh and Beth for INR 3.5 crore and INR 2.5 crore respectively come on the back of the franchise's maiden playoffs appearance in 2025 WPL, and will now aim to fill 16 slots at the mega auction happening in New Delhi later this month.

"With the first-ever mega auction for the WPL, we are entering an exciting new phase of the women's cricket. Our focus is to keep our competitive core intact while opening opportunities to build further around these two players at the auction. We have a clear vision of the squad we want to build," said Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline.

GG has let go of Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Laura Wolvaardt, Deandra Dottin, Tanuja Kanwar, Dayalan Hemalatha, Danielle Gibson, Meghna Singh, Phoebe Litchfield, Mannat Kashyap, Prakashika Naik, Simran Shaikh, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra and Shabnam Shakil

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I understand retaining international stars, I'm disappointed they let go of young Indian talents like Kashvee Gautam and Harleen Deol. We need to develop our domestic players too. Hope they pick some promising Indian cricketers in the auction.
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Ananya R
Gardner and Mooney are absolute match-winners! Their retention shows GG's commitment to maintaining quality. Can't wait to see who they pick in the mega auction. WPL is taking women's cricket to new heights in India! 🔥
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Sarah B
As someone who follows women's cricket globally, this is a strategic decision. Both players bring international experience and consistency. The mega auction will be interesting to watch!
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Vikram M
Good retention strategy. Gardner's all-round performance and Mooney's consistency are exactly what a team needs. Hope they use the remaining budget wisely to build a balanced squad. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Kavya N
WPL is making women's cricket so popular in India! My daughter now wants to become a cricketer after watching these matches. Retaining strong international players will inspire more young girls to take up the sport. 👏

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