WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants Head Coach Michael Klinger praises Ash Gardner’s captaincy

The Gujarat Giants (GG) failed to overcome Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their opening Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 match, despite scoring more than 200. GG head coach Michael Klinger, however, feels that they learnt from the defeat and improved in their second game against the UP Warriorz (UPW).

Although we learnt a few things, especially in our bowling and fielding, I felt that the first game was played really well. At the press conference held after the game, Klinger stated, “I thought we bowled brilliantly and to our plans, and they took those lessons into this game.”

Every player will occasionally make mistakes, and that’s okay. From a coach’s perspective, what was gratifying to observe was more their attitude and intensity on the pitch.

Ash Gardner, the GG captain, has had a strong start to the competition. In the match against UPW, she took a few wickets and scored her second fifty in as many games.

Gardner has performed admirably as captain thus far in the competition, according to Michael Klinger.

She’s off to a fantastic start. She is also doing a fantastic job as captain, changing bowling positions and situating the field. “She’s batting really well in the first two games,” he remarked.

“All I’m asking is for her to have fun, have fun, and play some cricket. She’s doing all of that and more.

GG has now been able to count on Deandra Dottin to play a significant role after missing the first two seasons of the WPL. She has produced powerful knocks with the bat in both of the games thus far, and she also performed well with the ball against UPW.

Michael Klinger is pleased with the purchase, stating that the franchise was eager to acquire her for that reason. That’s why we acquired her. The wicket she took in the Powerplay, in my opinion, was crucial for us; they simply began to retreat a bit,” Klinger remarked.

On a great track and a somewhat moist outfield, the bowling group did well to hold the opposition to 140. Klinger added, “She’s experienced in bowling at the death, which is probably something we don’t have so far in our starting 11.””

On February 18 (Tuesday), the Giants will play their farewell game in Vadodara when they meet the Mumbai Indians.