Kanika Ahuja Shines for Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026

Introduction

23-year-old Kanika Ahuja delivered a stunning performance for Gujarat Giants in the sixth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 against Mumbai Indians at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on January 13. Batting at No. 3, the left-handed sensation scored 35 runs off just 18 balls, displaying a combination of power and precision.

Explosive Partnership Highlights

Ahuja played aggressively alongside her teammates, forging crucial partnerships. She added 42 runs from 23 balls with Beth Mooney, who contributed 33 runs from 26 balls, for the second wicket. Later, she shared a 33-run stand from 17 balls with Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner, who scored 20 runs from 11 balls, including four boundaries.

Innings Breakdown

Kanika began her innings emphatically, hitting Shabnim Ismail for a four on the second ball. She then launched Hayley Matthews for a six and a four on successive deliveries in the fourth over. Her momentum continued with a boundary off the final ball of the fifth over, followed by a six against Amanjot Kaur in the eighth over. Ahuja’s fourth four came off Amelia Kerr in the ninth over. Her innings concluded when she attempted a six off Hayley Matthews on the first ball of the 11th over, only to be caught near the boundary by Nicola Carey.

WPL Journey and Franchise Career

Kanika has previously represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 15 WPL matches from 2023 to 2025. In the WPL 2026 mega auction, she was signed by the Ahmedabad-based Gujarat Giants for Rs 30 lakh. She has featured in all three matches of the current season, showcasing her evolving form and aggressive style.

Kanika Ahuja’s WPL Career Stats

In the ongoing season, Kanika did not bat in the opening match against UP Warriorz, while in the second match against Delhi Capitals, she scored 4 runs off 5 balls batting at No. 8.

International Career and T20I Record

Born in Patiala, Punjab, on August 7, 2002, Kanika has also represented India in three T20 Internationals. In her brief international career, she has scored 16 runs across two innings, bowled one over, and taken no wickets. She made her T20I debut against Malaysia during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou on September 21, 2023, and also played in the semifinal against Bangladesh on September 24, 2023. Her most recent appearance came against Australia at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on December 6, 2023.

Kanika Ahuja’s T20I Stats

Conclusion

Kanika Ahuja continues to make her mark as a rising talent in Indian women’s cricket. Her aggressive batting and ability to build partnerships make her a key asset for Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026, while her growing international experience hints at a promising future on the global stage.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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