3 players that Gujarat Giants can target in WPL Auction 2024
The Gujarat Giants enter the Women’s Premier League auction with a significant task ahead. Following their last-place finish in the inaugural season, the team needs to strategically rebuild its roster to compete effectively in the upcoming season. With eight players retained and ten slots remaining (including three overseas positions), the Giants have a crucial opportunity to fill their squad with talented players. Their remaining purse of Rs. 5.95 crore provides them with ample resources to make strategic acquisitions.
The Giants’ success at the auction will hinge on their ability to address weaknesses exposed in their previous campaign. By identifying key areas for improvement and making informed bids for talented players, the Giants can build a competitive roster capable of contending in the next season of the Women’s Premier League.
Here, we look at three players that the franchise can target at the auction which will be held tomorrow:
#1. Shabnim Ismail
As the Gujarat Giants look to rebuild their bowling attack for the upcoming Women’s Premier League season, they should seriously consider acquiring the services of Shabnim Ismail. This 35-year-old South African pacer is undeniably one of the best fast bowlers in the world and could significantly bolster the Giants’ bowling unit. Ismail possesses vast experience, having played in 141 international matches across formats and claiming over 300 wickets. Her ability to consistently generate pace and swing makes her a threat to even the most accomplished batters.
She didn’t have a great season in 2023 but as they say, form is temporary and class is permanent. Overall, Shabnim Ismail presents a compelling option for the Gujarat Giants. Her experience, talent, and ability to perform in pressure situations could be instrumental in their quest for a successful Women’s Premier League campaign.
#2. Lea Tahuhu
While Shabnim Ismail may be the top priority for the Gujarat Giants in their search for a potent pacer, they should also consider the experienced New Zealander, Lea Tahuhu. With no guarantee of securing Ismail’s services, the Giants must keep their options open and build a strong bowling attack.
Tahuhu, 30, boasts an impressive resume, having represented New Zealand in 170 matches across all formats. She possesses a deceptive bowling style, relying on subtle variations in pace and swing to unsettle batters. Her ability to generate consistent swing makes her particularly effective in the early overs, while her control also allows her to bowl tight spells in the death.
#3. Amy Jones
Beth Mooney’s planned role as keeper for the Gujarat Giants in the previous season was unfortunately disrupted by an injury in the opening game. This forced the team to reshuffle their plans and rely on Sushma Verma for wicket-keeping duties. While Verma performed commendably behind the stumps, her batting fell short of expectations. With Mooney now fit and ready to return, the Gujarat Giants still face the challenge of potential unforeseen circumstances. To mitigate this risk and ensure smooth operations in the event of another setback, securing a reliable backup keeper is crucial.
As such, the acquisition of Amy Jones, the English wicket-keeper batter would be a good strategic move for the team. As an experienced and proven wicket-keeper batter with a dangerous yet stable batting style, Jones possesses all the qualities to bolster the Giants’ lineup.
