Gujarat Giants confident ahead of WPL matches:Players emphasise teamwork, strategy, mindset and public support as they aim to win remaining games and trophy

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is currently underway in Vadodara, and the Gujarat Giants (GG) team has arrived to compete. On January 20, the team’s captain Ashleigh Gardner, players Sophie Devine, Renuka Thakur, Anushka Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, as well as Head Coach Michael Klinger, Fielding Coach Sarah Taylor, and Bowling Coach Pravin Tambe, spoke to the media, expressing confidence in winning their upcoming matches. Bowler Renuka Thakur stated that life changed after the World Cup, with people increasingly recognising women cricketers. “Now every player receives respect, and people come forward to congratulate us,” she added. Role models and support systems All-rounder Anushka Sharma said her first role model is Virat Kohli, with Rajat Patidar helping her improve her batting. All-rounder Kashvee Gautam cited Hardik Pandya, a Vadodara native, as her role model. The players highlighted that their mothers have been their biggest support, alongside coaches and mentors who guided them throughout their careers. They emphasised that their success is the result of support from many people, not just one individual. Learning from losses and adapting strategies Renuka Thakur explained that the team is focusing on mistakes made in past matches rather than looking too far ahead. ‘We played good cricket initially, so it is important to maintain a positive mindset. Strategies change with different pitches, and after playing one match, we now have an idea of the conditions here,’ she said. WPL as a stepping stone Anushka Sharma described the WPL as a fantastic platform for young players, especially those who do not yet have direct opportunities in the Indian team. ‘This league bridges the gap between domestic and international cricket,’ she said. She admitted she had not scored big in her last two innings but vowed to contribute fully in upcoming matches. Mindset is key across formats Anushka emphasised the importance of mindset in cricket: Tests require endurance, One-Dayers balance aggression and patience, and T20 is faster-paced. Her current goal is to win the remaining three matches convincingly and help the Gujarat Giants secure the trophy. Strong public support for women’s cricket Kashvee Gautam noted the excellent facilities at Vadodara’s stadium and praised the large crowds supporting women’s cricket rather than a specific team. She said, ‘The atmosphere is amazing, and the pitch shows a little swing in both innings, likely due to cold weather and dew.’ Strategy and aggression on the field Kashvee added that she adapts between strategic and aggressive play depending on the situation. She aims to perform well in the upcoming Australia series and secure a place in the Indian T20 team. The team benefits from experienced players like Renuka Singh, dubbed the ‘Swing Queen’, who bowls the first over while others learn from her technique and tactics. Opportunities through WPL Batter Bharti Fulmali shared that despite performing well in domestic cricket, she was previously overlooked for the Central Zone tournament. WPL gave her a platform to showcase her talent, ultimately leading to selection for the Indian team. Growing enthusiasm in women’s cricket Bharti highlighted the changes in women’s cricket since the 2017 World Cup, noting increased competition and parental support. ‘Since WPL started, enthusiasm among girls has grown. Many now consider cricket a profession, and families are proud and supportive,’ she said.