India all-rounder Sneh Rana was on Thursday named captain of Gujarat Giants after Beth Mooney was ruled out of the rest of the inaugural Women’s Premier League owing to a calf harm.
The Australian had suffered the harm whereas batting throughout the match opener towards Mumbai Indians on the DY Patil Stadium on March 4.
Mooney is prone to take 4 to 6 weeks to regain full health.
“I was really looking forward to the maiden WPL season with the Adani Gujarat Giants. But unfortunately, injuries are part and parcel of the sport and I am gutted to be missing the remainder of the season,” Mooney stated in a launch.
“I, however, will be keeping a close eye on the team’s performance from afar and will be rooting for them every single day.
“And although I might be away from the sector of play for the remaining of the season, I’m trying ahead to coming again stronger, fitter and I’ll positively be hungrier subsequent season.”
In Mooney’s place, Gujarat Giants drafted in dynamic opener Laura Wolvaardt, who had recently played a key role for South Africa in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Wolvaardt was the top scorer with three half-centuries from six matches as hosts South Africa reached the finals of the T20 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.
“I’m so excited to be becoming a member of the Gujarat Giants. It is an unbelievable alternative and I’m very grateful to have the ability to play within the WPL. I sit up for assembly up with the group and can’t wait to get going,” Wolvaardt said.
India’s Rana will now be the captain and Australian Ashleigh Gardner will be her deputy.
“Skipper Beth Mooney was positively one of probably the most bankable gamers within the group and she or he might be sorely missed. We want her a speedy restoration and I’m positive she’s going to make her mark within the upcoming season,” said Rachael Haynes, head coach of Gujarat Giants.
“We welcome Laura to the squad and look ahead to herald some of the most effective cricketing motion within the maiden WPL season.”
Gujarat Giants will next take on Delhi Capitals on March 11 at the DY Patil Stadium.
Gujarat Giants Squad: Sneh Rana (C), Ashleigh Gardner (VC), Laura Wolvaardt, Sophia Dunkley, Annabel Sutherland, Harleen Deol, Kim Garth, S Meghana, Georgia Wareham, Mansi Joshi, Dayalan Hemalatha, Monica Patel, Tanuja Kanwer, Sushma Verma, Hurley Gala, Ashwani Kumari, Parunika Sisodia, Shabnam Shakil.