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England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge<\/strong> was a notable absentee as Gujarat Giants (GG-W) took on Delhi Capitals (DC-W)\u00a0 in Match 17 of the Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL) 2026<\/strong><\/a> at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, on Tuesday (January 27). The omission of the experienced opener sparked curiosity among fans, especially given her importance to Gujarat Giants\u2019 batting lineup.<\/p>\n At the toss, Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner<\/strong> clarified the reason behind Wyatt-Hodge\u2019s absence, confirming that the England international was unavailable due to sickness. The change was described as a forced one, rather than a tactical decision.<\/p>\n \u201cDani Wyatt is out with sickness,\u201d Gardner said, explaining that the team had to reshuffle their batting order as a result. Her comments helped put an end to speculation around rotation or form-based exclusion.<\/p>\n With Wyatt-Hodge sidelined, Sophie Devine<\/strong> was promoted back to the top of the batting order, a role she is well accustomed to. Gardner emphasized that Devine\u2019s presence provides added firepower, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving Sophie in the middle-order gives us a lot of firepower\u2026 Sophie will go back to the top of the order,\u201d<\/em> Gardner noted, highlighting the flexibility within the squad. The change also saw Georgia Wareham<\/strong><\/a> returning to the playing XI.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl, sticking to a strategy that has often suited their bowling-heavy lineup. Led by captain Jemimah Rodrigues<\/strong>, DC fielded a strong XI featuring a blend of pace, power and all-round depth.<\/p>\n Their playing XI included Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wicketkeeper), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani and Nandni Sharma.<\/p>\n Also READ: Here\u2019s why BCCI excludes Lucknow\u2019s Ekana Stadium from hosting WPL and other women\u2019s cricket events<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Despite Wyatt-Hodge\u2019s absence, Gujarat Giants named a formidable side. Alongside Devine and Gardner, the XI featured Beth Mooney as wicketkeeper, Anushka Sharma, Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Renuka Singh Thakur and Rajeshwari Gayakwad.<\/p>\n The lineup reflected Gujarat\u2019s confidence in their squad depth and their ability to absorb the loss of an overseas batter without compromising competitiveness.<\/p>\n Also READ: WPL 2026 \u2013 Historic hundred by Nat Sciver-Brunt guides Mumbai Indians to victory against RCB<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n This article was first published at WomenCricket.com<\/a>, a Cricket Times<\/a> company.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nReason behind Danni Wyatt-Hodge\u2019s absence\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Delhi Capitals opt to bowl first<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Gujarat Giants\u2019 playing XI without Danni Wyatt<\/strong><\/h2>\n