The stage is set for an exciting opening encounter in the Women's Premier League 2025 as UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants lock horns at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, January 9. This match represents a fresh start for both franchises, each aiming to capture their elusive first WPL title after experiencing very different journeys in the previous seasons.
UP Warriorz: A New Era Under Meg Lanning
The UP Warriorz are hoping for a dramatic turnaround under their new captain, the legendary Australian Meg Lanning. Lanning brings a winning pedigree, having led the Delhi Capitals to three consecutive finals. Her leadership is expected to inject much-needed stability and strategic clarity into a side that has seen a steady decline, finishing third, fourth, and then at the bottom of the table across the first three WPL editions.
The team struggled with balance and consistency last year, especially in the absence of regular skipper Alyssa Healy. Lanning's arrival is seen as the cornerstone of their revival. The batting lineup shows promise with the flexibility of Phoebe Litchfield at the top, who could partner with the powerful Kiran Navgire. The middle order, fortified by Lanning and the talented Harleen Deol, will be crucial for posting competitive scores.
However, a potential concern lies in the wicket-keeping department, where Shipra Giri stands as the lone specialist option. On the bowling front, the Warriorz possess a formidable attack featuring world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone, the versatile Deepti Sharma, and the experienced Indian duo of Shikha Pandey and Kranti Gaud, offering a potent mix of spin, swing, and death-over expertise.
Gujarat Giants: Building on Playoff Momentum
The Gujarat Giants enter the new season with a spring in their step, having broken through to the playoffs last year after two disappointing campaigns. They are now led by the dynamic all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. The Giants boast a strong core of overseas stars but face a noticeable gap in their lineup with the lack of a front-line Indian batter.
Their batting will rely heavily on the experienced Beth Mooney, who will also keep wickets, and the return of the hard-hitting Sophie Devine, who missed the 2025 season. The pace attack appears well-rounded with India's Renuka Singh Thakur leading the charge, ably supported by Kim Garth and the exciting young talent Kashvee Gautam.
Spin is a major strength for the Giants, with multiple options available in captain Gardner, the crafty Georgia Wareham, the seasoned Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Tanuja Kanwar. This variety gives them significant flexibility depending on the pitch conditions.
What to Expect from the Season Opener
With both teams undergoing significant transitions in leadership and squad dynamics, Saturday's afternoon clash at 3:30 PM IST is more than just a single match. It is an opportunity for both UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants to set a positive tone for their entire campaign. A victory here would provide crucial early momentum in the quest for that maiden WPL championship.
The squads for the match are as follows:
UP Warriorz: Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, Asha Sobhana, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh, Charli Knott, Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, G. Trisha, Pratika Rawa.
Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (C), Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Shivani Singh, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni.
