Finishing second is a huge improvement: Klinger

Head coach Michael Klinger felt Gujarat Giants' WPL 2026 season showed clear progress, even if it ended with a sense of unfinished business. Finishing outright second on the points table was a step forward and reflected a league phase where the Giants consistently held their nerve in tight situations.

They completed a clean sweep of UP Warriorz, snapped a long winless run against Mumbai Indians, and edged Delhi Capitals twice in last-over finishes, with Sophie Devine's composure under pressure proving decisive. Yet, the season again ended in disappointment, with the Giants falling short in successive Eliminators in 2025 and 2026.

"Yeah, certainly, finishing outright second this year is a huge improvement. Probably the two finals [Eliminators] we played, both last year and this year, we just didn't play at our best. We spoke about it today in our team meeting – that when we play close to our best, we're a chance to beat any team in this competition – and we just weren't quite there today, in our batting and our bowling," he said after Giants' loss to DC in the Eliminator.

"However, the broader assessment remained constructive. "We've learned a lot about our squad this year. We're pretty clear on the areas we need to improve next year. We've got plenty of time – about 10 months now – to watch more cricket from both local and overseas players, tinker a little bit, and hopefully come back bigger and stronger next year.

"To qualify two years in a row, there are always teams who would much prefer to be where we are than already gone home. So we're satisfied with that, but at the same time we're aiming for bigger things. It didn't happen this year, but we'll keep giving ourselves a chance by qualifying, and hopefully next year we'll play stronger cricket in the bigger games," he said.

Klinger also spoke with optimism about the Indian talent in the squad, viewing this season as a foundation rather than a ceiling.

"I think it's about players taking the next step. Anushka Sharma had a good season for her first year. She got a lot of good starts, which for a young player is fantastic. The next step for her is realising how good she is, and that she can be a 300-plus run WPL player going forward. She's probably a big chance to play for India before next year's WPL. I hope she does, because that international experience will help her for us next year as well.

"I thought Bharti Fulmali started the season really well and played some fantastic innings. It's more about belief – that they don't just have to contribute, but can dominate, like some of the other Indian batters in the competition. If they come in with that attitude next year, they'll be fine. Obviously we'll have Yastika Bhatia next year, touch wood, if she's fit and healthy, which will add another quality Indian player," said Klinger.

From a bowling perspective, Klinger spoke about effort, balance, and areas for improvement.

"The two wins against Delhi showed our fighting spirit – even when we were up against it in the last six balls. We talk about that a lot. In our team room, we have a big sign that says 'fight'. Everyone's going back to domestic cricket, and there are areas everyone can work on, whether it's our quicks or our spinners.

"I think our fast bowlers were really good when the ball was swinging. The next step for them as T20 bowlers is what their go-to option is when the ball stops swinging. That's something they can work on. Happy Kumari is a fantastic young bowler. I heard she didn't get picked for an upcoming domestic team, which I find amazing, because there aren't many with her pace, line and length. I hope she keeps getting opportunities, because she's got something special and she'll be back with us next year, and we can really unleash her," Klinger said.

As for the spinners, who didn't play as big a role, Klinger said: "Our spinners didn't get as many overs this year – Tanuja Kanwer and Rajeshwari Gayakwad – but that was more about our team make-up. We had a lot of all-rounders: Ash Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Devine. With three overseas all-rounders bowling, it wasn't a reflection on the spinners, just how we balanced our overs."