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Gardner Says India Will Be 'Hard to Beat,' Backs Australia as No. 1 Ahead of WPL Start

Her remarks frame the WPL’s January 9 start as a proving ground for India’s rapid ascent.

Overview

  • Ashleigh Gardner said India is trending toward becoming very difficult to beat over the next five to ten years as she prepares to captain Gujarat Giants.
  • Despite Australia’s World Cup semifinal loss to India, Gardner maintained Australia remains the world’s best side, saying they would win the vast majority of repeat matchups.
  • Gujarat Giants feature only one player from India’s ODI title-winning squad in seamer Renuka Singh Thakur, with overseas batters Beth Mooney, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophie Devine expected to carry scoring loads.
  • Gardner praised Renuka as a powerplay wicket-taker who can handle tough overs, saying her presence gives the captain dependable new-ball options.
  • Renuka said India quickly returned to training after celebrations, noted a recent Sri Lanka series, targeted the T20 World Cup in England later this year, and highlighted work on her mental strength after an underwhelming first WPL season.