Gujarat Giants hope for fresh start after 'disappointing' first season

In the world of Women's cricket, the Gujarat Giants are looking to rewrite their script in the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season. The memories of a challenging debut season still linger, with injuries, defeats, and disappointments casting shadows. However, the team is all set to hit the refresh button and carve a different narrative this time around.

Australian cricketer Beth Mooney, captain of the Gujarat Giants, acknowledged the challenges faced during the inaugural WPL season. Mooney expressed optimism about avoiding a recurrence of injuries that affected the team, including her own, as they prepare for the upcoming season.

"I can tell you I've done a fair few calf raises this week since I got here, so hopefully we avoid that again," said Beth Mooney as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The Giants faced an uphill battle in the first season, losing their captain and star batter early on, setting the tone for a tumultuous journey. The season opener against Mumbai Indians was a harsh reality check, as they conceded a whopping 207 runs and were bowled out for 64, suffering a colossal defeat of 143 runs. The season unfolded with a series of losses, leaving them at the bottom of the table.

"Obviously that was a pretty disappointing time for me on a personal note, and for the team as well. I was really looking forward to the opportunity of playing in their first season of the WPL and leading the Gujarat Giants to a little bit of success but you know that obviously didn't work out," Mooney added recalling the disappointment.

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However, the Giants are determined to turn the page and embrace a fresh start. With a revamped squad and experienced coach Michael Klinger at the helm, the team has undergone a reset, releasing ten players from last year's lineup. The addition of Phoebe Litchfield, along with reinforcements Lea Tahuhu and Sayali Sathgare, signals a strategic move to address the shortcomings of the past.

We try to pick the best players who are going to fit into our composition of the team: Mithali

Mithali Raj, the Gujarat Giants' mentor, recognised the challenge of injuries like Kashvee Gautam's but assured that the team has contingency plans. During the training period, they've been adapting player roles under the guidance of the coaching staff.

"See injury is something that nobody can...you know foresee that somebody's going to get injured. We try to pick the best players who are going to fit into our composition of the team. But yes to be very honest Kashvee Gautam was very important for us in the mix of things but again it's a freak thing that she got injured and she had to pull out of the WPL," said mentor Mithali Raj.

"But we do have Sayali who's done really well in the domestic structure and she's been among wickets and who also offers a bit of runs from the lower order. So we do have our backup plans in place, we worked it out. This time around we did have some days to prepare well and that has really helped us to put certain plans in place," she added.

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As the Giants prepare for the second WPL season, there is renewed optimism and anticipation among fans in Gujarat. The maiden season might not have gone according to plan, but the Giants are poised for a redemption journey with a blend of experienced overseas players and promising local talent.