As the upcoming second season of WPL approaches, Gujarat Giants has revealed that Beth Mooney from Australia will lead the team as captain, with Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana serving as her deputy.
Beth Mooney has once again taken over the captaincy for the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League 2024, replacing Sneh Rana. Mooney had led the team in the previous season but had to step down due to a calf injury after the first game, allowing Rana to take charge.
During the opening match against Mumbai Indians Women, Mooney suffered a calf injury, leading to her withdrawal from the tournament. In her absence, Sneh Rana took on the responsibility of leading the team. However, Mooney has now recovered and reclaimed her role as the skipper for the upcoming season.
It’s worth noting that Beth Mooney, the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, was retained by the franchise before the WPL 2024 auction. Despite her injury setback in the previous season, the team has confidence in her leadership and playing abilities. Mooney has an impressive T20I record, having played 95 matches for Australia Women and scoring over 2700 runs with an average of 41+. Her T20I stats include two centuries and 52 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game.
Considered one of the top-notch batters in international T20 cricket, Mooney played a pivotal role in securing victories at the T20 World Cup in 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023. Adding to her achievements, she was also a key member of the squad that claimed victory at the 2022 ODI World Cup and clinched Gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Interestingly, despite being part of the triumphant 2014 T20 World Cup team, Mooney didn’t make her debut for the Australian national team until January 2016.
“I am delighted to be back with Gujarat Giants and grateful for the team’s trust in me. We have a fantastic squad, and I am confident we will put up a good show. It is good WPL will be played in Bengaluru and New Delhi, which are new to the tournament,” said Mooney.
“They (Mooney and Rana) will be part of the leadership group with head coach Michael Klinger, mentor and advisor Mithali Raj, and assistant coach Nooshin Al Khadee,” Gujarat Giants said in an official statement.
Sneh Raha, a talented Indian off-spin bowling all-rounder, showcased her skills in 8 matches during the season. With a bowling average of just over 34 and an economy rate of 8.58, she managed to take 6 crucial wickets. On the batting front, Sneh contributed 34 runs in 5 innings, with her highest score being 20.
Gujarat Giants are set to kick off their campaign against Mumbai Indians Women on Sunday, February 25th. The match is scheduled to happen in Bengaluru.
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