Klinger eyes title and 'individual growth' for Gujarat Giants

Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger is targeting both tournament success and player development as the Women's Premier League season begins.

"Qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in WPL history was a fantastic achievement, but this season is a fresh start," Klinger said ahead of their opener. "Every team begins evenly. Starting well builds confidence."

"We're here to win, but also to enjoy the journey and focus on player development. Our aim is that every player finishes this tournament as a better cricketer. From our training, I have no doubt it will be a successful season in terms of results and individual growth."

The team's high-profile acquisitions include New Zealand's Sophie Devine and Australia's Georgia Wareham, alongside retained skipper Ash Gardner and the return of Kim Garth.

"We're going to have selection headaches, and that's a good thing," Klinger said. "We have genuine depth, particularly with high-quality all-rounders. Successful teams often have strong all-rounders. Bringing in players like Sophie Devine strengthens us further. Choosing four from six overseas players is a challenge, but a happy problem."

A concern remains limited depth in Indian batting, with wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia unlikely to feature this season. Klinger, however, backs domestic talent to step up.

"From a batting perspective, we've brought in exciting young talent. Anushka Sharma had an excellent domestic season. Ayushi Soni has experience. Titas Sadhu has India exposure. Happy Kumari brings genuine raw pace. Bharti Fulmali offers quality and power. Shivani adds depth and can keep wicket. The WPL will give them opportunities to step up."

Giants begin their campaign Saturday against UP Warriorz. Warriorz, who finished bottom last season, have appointed former Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning to lead them.

Capitals aim to go 'one better' in 2026

Delhi Capitals, under new captain Jemimah Rodrigues, face defending champions Mumbai Indians in their opener.

They will be without the retained all-rounder Annabel Sutherland this season, but head coach Jonathan Batty is confident following a pre-season camp in Goa.

"It's nice to have familiar faces back and great to bring in fresh faces who add a new dynamic," Batty said. "Preparation has been fantastic. The Goa camp combined team-building with high-quality training. We're raring to go."

Having fallen short in three finals, the goal is clear. "We have a really balanced squad. We're building on retained experience, complemented by high-quality recruitment. We're looking to go one better than the last few years."