The fourth edition of the book Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Set to kick off on January 9, it brings a month of high-octane cricket to Mumbai and Vadodara. It traces the history of India ODI World Cup 2025 triumphantly, the domestic league has reached a fever pitch, with fans eager for the world’s best talent to return to Indian shores. This season sees an expanded schedule and a renewed focus on aggressive, results-oriented play. Among the five franchises competing, Giants of Gujarat has become the focus of attention thanks to a number of high-profile staff and roster overhauls.
Gujarat Titans bring in three-time World Cup winner as on-field coach for WPL 2026
In a landmark move to bolster their defence, the Giants have officially appointed the legendary England goalkeeper and three-time World Cup winner. Sarah Taylor As the new pitch coach for WPL 2026. Known as one of the most technically gifted cricketers in history, Taylor brings a wealth of tactical experience from both the women’s and men’s professional competitions.
Speaking to IANS on January 6, 2026, Taylor highlighted the culture of fearlessness and precision ahead of the tournament’s opening. “The focus is on getting the girls ready for the first game at 10, but also making sure they have fun and play with real aggression on the field. Matches can often be won or lost by pitching, catching, running and the like, so we want the girls to be fully prepared for whatever comes their way.” Taylor said.
Taylor’s appointment is a clear statement of intent from the Adani-owned franchise, which has identified disruptions on the pitch as a major reason for its previous struggles. By integrating Taylor into a coaching staff that includes the head coach Michael Klinger and a bowling coach Pravin TambeThe Giants are using their “Gold Standard” experience to make them the sharpest division in the league.
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The Giants will enter WPL 2026 with the weight of history on their shoulders and a desperate need for consistency. After finishing at the bottom of the points table in the first two seasons (2023 and 2024), the franchise finally tasted success in WPL 2025 and achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time.
Under the Australian all-round tactical leadership Ashley Gardnerwho replaced Beth Mooney As captain last season, the Giants secured third place with a balanced record of four wins and four losses. For the 2026 edition, the franchise doubled down on this winning formula by retaining Gardner as captain.
The squad has been significantly boosted by marquee signings, including the New Zealand icon Sophie Devine and India’s swing expert Renuka Singh Thakur. With an updated roster featuring some power hitters Danny Wyatt-Hodge and as the new talents of India Kashvee Gautam and Titas SadhuThe Giants are no longer the league’s underdogs. Gardner’s retention as the first overseas player to lead the team full-time signals a long-term vision to move beyond the Eliminator and secure its first WPL title.
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
