'Only one of Wareham or Garth makes the XI' - Aakash Chopra dissects Gujarat Giants' squad constraints after WPL 2026 auction

Gujarat Giants rebuilt their squad in the WPL 2026 auction, retaining Beth Mooney while splashing INR 2 crore on Sophie Devine and adding Renuka Singh Thakur for depth and experience. Aakash Chopra, Veda Krishnamurthy, and Saba Karim analyzed GG's overall approach.

Chopra broke down Gujarat Giants' squad constraints post-auction, suggesting that the team lacks reliability since their combination will not allow them to field both Georgia Wareham and Kim Garth in the XI, which will make things difficult in terms of ensuring team balance. 

“Only one of Georgia Wareham or Kim Garth makes the XI. Gujarat Giants need batting firepower, which makes it tricky. Unlike Mumbai, Delhi, UP, or RCB — who boast 1-2 settled Indian stars in their top 4-5 — GG lacks that reliability. Yastika Bhatia returns from injury, not a lock ahead of Richa Ghosh, leaving her isolated. Bharti Fulmali follows, so the lineup feels thin. Kim Garth sits out; Georgia Wareham plays to shore up batting, or it crumbles."

Krishnamurthy, however, praised Gujarat Giants' auction approach, suggesting that their overseas recruits have a promising record. She named Beth Mooney to take the responsibility at the top of the order, while Ash Gardner will be the fulcrum in the middle order, with Sophie Devine adding flexibility to the unit.

"Gujarat Giants are strong with Beth Mooney at the top, who scored heavily, and Ash Gardner excelled as captain at number four last year. They just needed the right combination with Sophie Devine, providing flexibility. Plenty of bowling options and experience with Renuka Singh Thakur taking the new ball. They stayed quiet for 70% of the auction, waited patiently, then secured key players—resulting in a well-balanced squad."

Karim further assessed Gujarat Giants' auction strategy and squad balance. He said that while the team did not have the right start in the auction, they gradually picked up pace and finished strongly with some quality players. He praised the team's bowling attack, which has the likes of Kashvee Gautam, Titas Sadhu, and Renuka Singh.

"Initially, they seemed clueless about the auction, but they gathered momentum and secured strong buys toward the end. Their pace bowling looks solid with Indian talents Kashvee Gautam, Titas Sadhu, and Renuka Singh, who brings valuable experience. The top and middle order boast depth with Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, and Ash Gardner, while the spin attack appears robust too—making this a very solid side overall."