WPL 2026: Why Danny Wyatt-Hodge is not playing in today’s DC-W vs GG-W match

England strike Danny Wyatt-Hodge The 17th match saw a notable presence as Gujarat Giants (GG-W) took on Delhi Capitals (DC-W). Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara on Tuesday (January 27). The omission of the experienced opener has sparked curiosity among fans, especially given the importance Gujarat Giants have placed on their batting line-up.

The reason for Danny Wyatt-Hodge’s absence

The Gujarat Giants captain during the toss Ashley Gardner He clarified the reason for Wyatt-Hodge’s absence, confirming that the England international was out due to illness. The change was characterized as a mandatory decision rather than a tactical one.

“Dani Wyatt is sick,” Gardner said, explaining that the team eventually had to change their batting order. His comments helped put to rest speculation about spin or shape-based exclusion.

With Wyatt-Hodge out, Sophie Devine He rose to the top of the batting order, a role he is well used to. Gardner emphasized that Devine’s presence provides additional firepower, especially on the power play and mid-range.

“Having Sophie in the middle gives us a lot of firepower… Sophie will be back at the top of the order” Gardner noted, stressing the flexibility in the staff. He also saw a change Georgia Wareham back to the playing XI.

Delhi Capitals opt to bowl first

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl, sticking to a strategy that often suits their bowling-heavy line-up. It is led by a captain Rodrogus voteDC fielded a strong XI with a mix of pace, power and all-round depth.

Their squad includes Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (keeper), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani and Nandni Sharma.

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Gujarat Giants’ 11th game without Danny Wyatt

Despite the absence of Wyatt-Hodge, Gujarat Giants named a formidable side. Along with Devine and Gardner, the XI included Beth Mooney, Anushka Sharma, Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Renuka Singh Thakur and Rajeshwari Gayakwad as wicketkeepers.

This squad reflected Gujarat’s confidence in the depth of their squad and their ability to absorb defeat abroad without compromising their competitiveness.

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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.