Modern cricket demands more than talent and practice; maintaining peak performance during long tournaments requires close monitoring of physical and mental fitness. Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner has embraced this approach during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, using technology to stay match-ready. At the heart of her routine is the Apple Watch, which she employs daily to track training load, recovery, sleep quality, and overall activity levels.
Speaking to Times Now Tech, Gardner highlighted the importance of data-driven fitness management. Rather than following a fixed exercise plan, she adjusts her routine based on insights from her smartwatch. This ensures she maintains a balance between exertion and recovery, reducing the risk of fatigue or injury during the rigorous WPL schedule.
The Apple Watch allows Gardner to monitor her heart rate, daily step count, calories burned, and recovery status. These metrics provide real-time feedback, helping her decide whether to intensify or ease training sessions on any given day. By optimising her workload, Gardner can perform at her best during matches while maintaining long-term fitness.
Gujarat Giants spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad also incorporates the Apple Watch into her routine. She tracks sleep patterns, breathing, and physical workload to ensure adequate recovery. By using wearable technology, both players gain valuable insights into their bodies’ responses to the demands of competitive cricket. Their practices demonstrate a growing trend in women’s sports, where technology and analytics are increasingly shaping performance management.
Wearable devices like smartwatches offer several advantages for elite athletes. They allow for continuous monitoring without disrupting training schedules, provide precise data to guide exercise and rest, and enable players to identify trends over time. For Gardner and Gayakwad, this means they can maintain high-intensity performance throughout the WPL without compromising health or risking burnout.
The integration of wearable technology into women’s cricket reflects a broader shift in professional sports. Data-driven approaches help players understand their limits, optimise recovery, and enhance consistency in performance. In addition to physical monitoring, smartwatches also support mental well-being by tracking sleep and stress levels, which are crucial during high-pressure tournaments.
As the WPL 2026 progresses, Gardner’s use of technology highlights how modern athletes leverage innovation to gain a competitive edge. By combining traditional training with digital insights, she and her teammates are able to maintain peak fitness, make informed decisions, and stay ready for the challenges of professional cricket.
In conclusion, wearable technology has become an indispensable tool for elite athletes like Ashleigh Gardner and Rajeshwari Gayakwad. The Apple Watch allows them to monitor health, manage workload, and optimise recovery, ensuring that they perform at their best during long tournaments such as the WPL 2026. This approach marks a significant evolution in women’s cricket, where science and technology now play a key role in achieving sporting excellence.
