Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], January 26 : Gujarat Giants and New Zealand stalwart Sophie Devine reflected on her franchise's "roller-coaster" Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 so far under captaincy of Ash Gardner and pointed out the uncapped Indian batter who is going to be a "real threat" for her opponents in years to come.
Sophie was speaking to ANI as her team aims for a second-successive play off spot in the WPL. Their season has been a roller coaster indeed, starting with two thrilling wins against UP Warriorz (by 10 runs) and Delhi Capitals (by four runs), but fell apart with losses to defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and back-to-back setbacks against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, just when things looked bleak, a three-fer from Rajeshwari Gayakwad helped GG restrict UPW to just 108 while defending 154 and put them back in contention for the playoff spot.
Speaking to ANI, Devine expressed some positives being different players stepping up with the bat in matches and their bowling in the previous two matches.
"I think it has been a bit of a roller coaster so far. We see had some really strong wins and then some disappointing losses. But for us, I think there are plenty of positives. I think with the bat, we have had different people step up at different times, which in tournament play, it is really important that you have the whole squad performing at different times. So I think that has been a real positive. I think our bowling in the last two matches have been outstanding," she said.
"We saw the way Rajeshwari (Gayakwad) came in and took some really key wickets in that last game. Having been on the sidelines, it was really pleasing to see her perform the way she did. So for us, I think there are plenty of positives. I still do not think we have played the perfect game yet. Hopefully, that is still to come, obviously, with two really important group games to go. I think everyone is obviously in a really tight race to make that final three spots," the veteran added.
Sophie, 36, has delivered some fine all-round performances in the tournament, scoring 199 runs in six matches at an average of 39.80 and a strike rate of over 160, with two fifties. She is also enjoying her best-ever tournament with the ball, having taken 11 wickets at an average of 16.09, with best figures of 3/31 and sitting in the top five wicket-takers.
During her stint with GG, she has shared her experiences and trained with some rising Indian stars, such as hard-hitting batter Bharti Fulmali (111 runs in six innings at an average of over 27 at a strike rate of 163-plus), who recently earned a call-up for the tour to Australia starting from February, all-rounders Kanika Ahuja (61 runs in five innings with best score of 35) and Anushka Sharma (89 runs in four matches with best score of 44) and pacer Kashvee Gautam (seven wickets in six matches at an average of 32.85, with best figures of 2/38).
The veteran all-rounder is impressed with Kashvee's new ball bowling and her work ethic, and Bharti's power-hitting, which earned her an Indian team call-up for the tour to Australia, has left her impressed, saying that she could be a "real threat" for oppositions in years to come.
"I think that is the great thing about this tournament, the opportunity to work with the local talent. And you have mentioned a handful there that I have been really impressed with. I think Kashvee (Gautam) has been outstanding with the new ball. I think her work ethic is something that has probably stood out to me, and her willingness to want to get better, to learn, to grow her game and seeing the way that she's developed even over this tournament has been something that I have been really impressed with. The way that Bharti's (Fulmali) gone out and has struck the ball, I think she is going to be a real threat," she said.
"I have seen that she's been selected in the India side for the Tour of Australia, which is a great reward because I think she has been a real threat in this tournament. Kanika has been great as well. I think she is a bundle of energy, and what she has been able to do. And obviously, Anushka coming back from injury, which was an amazing recovery from her. But she is certainly one of these young talents coming through who has great belief and confidence in her ability. So yeah, it has been awesome," she added.
Sophie also shares a fine equation with her captain and rival in national colours, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. The Aussies' calm under adverse situations and game awareness have stood out to Sophie.
"I have been really impressed with the way that Ash has led this group. I think she's remained incredibly calm, even through some pretty tight moments. The way that she has able to lead and communicate with different players at different stages is something that is going to be really important, especially heading into the crunch point of this season," she said.
"Her game awareness and game IQ have been really high as well, and her ability to make great decisions on the park is something that is a real positive for this group. So it has been really nice. I have obviously played a lot against Ash, so it is nice to be able to be on the same team and to be able to, I guess, offer support where I can on the field and just be a bit of a sounding board for her in case she needs, any advice or it is, you know, just being able to raise ideas and things like that. I think it is really important that I can offer support where she needs it," she added.
While she has enjoyed success with the bat in the form of two fifties against Delhi Capitals and UPW, she has failed to produce impactful scores against her former franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), getting out for just 8 and 0. The idea of playing the final against them and winning the WPL with two different teams excites her, but she is not thinking too far ahead.
"I think that's certainly the aim, to make it through to the finals. As you say, it has been disappointing not to have scored runs against my former team. But yeah, I think it is really exciting (potential final against RCB) and fingers crossed we can get there. But I guess my focus is on these next two games. We have to make sure that we win those so that we have a chance of playing in the final. There is not much point in looking too far ahead at the moment," he added.