Sophie Devine

Sophie Devine is a titan of the game whose 2024–2025 cycle has been defined by championship glory and a historic transition in her international career. Born on September 1, 1989, the New Zealand captain reached the zenith of her career in late 2024, leading the White Ferns to their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. Her 2025 season remained just as prolific; she scored a commanding 111 against Australia in Indore and eventually retired from ODI cricket in October 2025 after a final World Cup campaign where she hammered a sensational 112 against the Aussies. She leaves the 50-over format as one of only three women to achieve the 'double' of over 4,000 runs and 100 wickets, now shifting her full focus to T20 dominance and global franchise leagues.

In the 2026 Women’s Premier League mega auction held in late 2025, Devine became the center of a high-stakes bidding war. After three foundational seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru—where she played a pivotal role in their 2024 title win—she moved to the Gujarat Giants for ₹2 crore. This makes her one of the most expensive overseas signings for the 2026 season starting in January. As a 'double international' who also represented New Zealand in field hockey, Devine brings unparalleled athleticism and tactical leadership to a revamped Giants squad. Tasked with anchoring a top order alongside Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner, the 'Powerhouse of Wellington' enters the 2026 season ready to replicate her T20 World Cup success and lead Gujarat to their first championship.