Aussie Legend To Lead Gujarat Giants In Inaugural WPL, Sneh Rana Named Vice-Captain

Beth Mooney leading the Giants in WPL 2023 also marks her reunion with ex-Aussie star Rachael Haynes, the head coach of franchise Gujarat Giants.

Beth Mooney of Australia in action during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final match between Australia and South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground on February 26, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.

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Gujarat Giants, Monday, announced ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 winner Beth Mooney as their captain for inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL 2023), ESPNCricinfo reported. Mooney leading the Giants in WPL 2023 also marks her reunion with ex-Aussie star Rachael Haynes, the head coach of franchise Gujarat Giants. Also, India's star all-rounder Sneh Rana has been selected as the vice-captain.

Mooney, first player in history to score two fifties in T20 World Cup finals, for the first time in her career will be leading a franchise as a full-time captain in an overseas T20 tournament. Beth Mooney's match-winning unbeaten inning of 74 helped  Australia continue their enviable dominance in Women's cricket as they defeated South Africa by 19 runs to win Women's T20 World Cup for a record-extending sixth time.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Adani Gujarat Giants in the historic Women's Premier League's inaugural edition in 2023," said Beth Mooney in a statement.

"The squad is keen to get the ball rolling soon and put out an entertaining and effective brand of cricket in the debut season of WPL which will hopefully lead us to the trophy. It will be absolutely fantastic to have the likes of Sneh as my deputy and Mithali Raj, Rachael Haynes and Nooshin Al Khadeer as pivotal parts of the team," Mooney added.

Dehradun born spinner Sneh Rana, one of the most prominent players in Indian women's cricket, is known for providing crucial breakthroughs.

"Being the vice-captain of the Adani Gujarat Giants is a huge responsibility and I am keenly looking forward to putting up a great show for the debut edition of the Women's Premier League," said Sneh Rana, Vice-Captain, Gujarat Giants.

"Along with captain Beth Mooney, I hope to lead a strong and talented squad during the tournament," added Rana.

The opening match of WPL 2023 will be played between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians on March 4 at 7:30 pm IST.