No bowler has dismissed Smriti Mandhana more frequently in Women’s T20s or ODIs than Ashleigh Gardner. Now leading the Giants, Gardner might opt to bowl early against the in-form RCB captain, setting up a fascinating battle.
The Giants have secured four WPL victories across two seasons, with two coming against RCB, including their maiden win. Ashleigh Gardner stands as the team’s top run-scorer (324) and leading wicket-taker (17).
In two WPL seasons, the Giants have used eight different opening pairs—the highest among all teams. They have also hit the fewest sixes (43) in the tournament.
Meanwhile, RCB boast two bowlers with T20I hat-tricks in their squad: Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.
Table of Contents
Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Team News and Predicted XI
Gujarat Giants – Team News
The Giants face a tough decision in selecting Beth Mooney’s opening partner.
With Deandra Dottin securing a spot in the XI, only one of Laura Wolvaardt or Phoebe Litchfield is likely to make the cut.
Gujarat Giants – Predicted XI
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- Laura Wolvaardt,
- Harleen Deol
- Deandra Dottin
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Ashleigh Gardner (capt)
- Simran Shaikh
- Sayali Satghare / Kashvee Gautam
- Meghna Singh
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Shabnam Shakil/Mannat Kashyap
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Team News
Ellyse Perry enters WPL 2025 after sustaining a hip injury during the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne. With Sophie Devine unavailable, she could slot in at No. 4.
However, if Perry isn’t fully fit for the opening game, RCB might opt for Georgia Wareham at No. 4 while also including Charlie Dean. The absence of Asha Sobhana, a guaranteed starter who has been ruled out of the tournament, further complicates their selection decisions.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Predicted XI
- Smriti Mandhana (capt)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- S Meghana
- Ellyse Perry
- Richa Ghosh
- Raghvi Bist
- Kanika Ahuja
- Georgia Wareham
- Jagravi Pawar
- Kim Garth
- Renuka Singh
Players To Watch Out For
Deandra Dottin (Gujarat Giants)
With their turbulent past from WPL 2023 now behind them, Deandra Dottin could be a vital player for the Giants. She marked a strong international comeback ahead of last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup, emerging as West Indies’ top run-scorer while also claiming five wickets at an economy rate of 5.42.
In the home T20I series against Bangladesh, she amassed 110 runs in three matches at a striking rate of 203.70. Having previously played ODIs against India at the Kotambi Stadium, Dottin is familiar with the conditions, and the Giants will count on her to deliver with the ball, particularly in the death overs.
Richa Ghosh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Richa Ghosh is one of the few Indian players in the WPL capable of finishing games with her power-hitting. With RCB dealing with player unavailability and fitness concerns, she will be a crucial part of their middle order.
Ghosh displayed strong hitting form in the home season against West Indies and Ireland, and RCB leaned on her firepower last year to clinch the title. Currently third on the all-time WPL six-hitters list, she is poised to climb higher as the season unfolds. Her performances could be key to how the defending champions begin their campaign.
When and Where To Watch Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Women’s Premier League 2025 clash between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Friday, February 14, at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Read More: WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants Squad Preview – GG Aim for Redemption With A Revamped Squad
Also Read: WPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad Preview – Can RCB Overcome Early Hurdles to Defend Their Crown?
FAQs
When and where will the WPL 2025 match between Gujarat Giants and RCB take place?
The match is scheduled for Friday, February 14, at 7:30 PM IST at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Where can I watch the Gujarat Giants vs RCB WPL 2025 match live?
The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports network and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
Who is Gujarat Giants’ leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in WPL history?
Ashleigh Gardner holds both records, with 324 runs and 17 wickets.
Which RCB players have taken T20I hat-tricks?
RCB’s squad features two bowlers with T20I hat-tricks: Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.
Why is Ellyse Perry’s availability uncertain for RCB in WPL 2025?
Perry is recovering from a hip injury sustained during the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne and might miss the opening game.
