Gujarat Giants Gear Up for Home Debut Amidst Royal Welcome at Baroda Palace

Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner and teammates visited Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad at Laxmi Vilas Palace ahead of their Women's Premier League debut in Vadodara. The visit highlighted women's empowerment and Vadodara's cricket culture, with the season kicking off on February 14 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

In a royal prelude to the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner, along with teammates Kashvee Gautam, Phoebe Litchfield, and Deandra Dottin, indulged in a meaningful engagement with Maharani of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, at the illustrious Laxmi Vilas Palace. The team is gearing up for a prominent new home debut as the third season of WPL unfolds in Vadodara.

Maharani Radhikaraje, an ardent supporter of women's empowerment, shared her initiatives while paying homage to Vadodara's rich cricket heritage. This special meeting, endorsed by Gujarat Giants, included bowling coach Pravin Tambe and Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline. A visit to Gazra Cafe added to the experience, where the initiative founded by Maharani Chimnabai II empowers women and supports the LGBTQ+ community through skill development and vocational training.

The players engaged in an interactive session with Maharani Radhikaraje, whose roots in cricket run deep. Captain Ashleigh Gardner honored her with a custom Gujarat Giants jersey, solidifying a supportive bond with the Maharani, who endorsed her best wishes to the team for the forthcoming season. The 2025 WPL kicks off on February 14 across various cities, with Gujarat Giants set to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their opening match.

Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, a pivotal inclusion in the squad since its inception, leads the team as captain. Garnering achievements like the Belinda Clark Awards and playing an integral role in Australia's Commonwealth Games win, Gardner is anticipated to propel the Giants with her record of 324 runs and 17 wickets in the league's past seasons.

(With inputs from agencies.)