IPL 10, Match 16, GL V MI – Gujarat Lions Predicted XI

Suresh Raina will be relieved that Gujarat Lions finally got onto the points table. After losing the first two games, Raina was looking out of ideas. Their bowling lacked experience and quality and hence they roped in Andrew Tye to play against Rising Pune Supergiant. Tye responded immediately picking up a five-wicket haul, which included a hattrick, to restrict RPS down to 171 after a blazing start.

They now travel to Mumbai to play their fourth game at Wankhede. This will be a tough game for the Lions as Mumbai Indians have been on a roll, winning their last 3 games on the trot. Lions will have to bring their A-game to the park if they want to do well against Mumbai.

Gujarat Lions finally discovered their best team going forward in the tournament. They need to find a way to accommodate James Faulkner in the side for the bowling still can be further bolstered. The batting looks solid with big hitters Raina, Smith, McCullum and Finch in the ranks. The return of Jadeja has given them the balance they were looking for.

Here is a look at the Predicted XI for Gujarat Lions for their day-game in Wankhede against Mumbai Indians:

Openers (Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum)

After having a dream season last year, where he contributed with the ball as well Smith was strangely sent to bat in the middle order in the first two games. Smith celebrated his return to the familiar position of opening with an entertaining 47 in GL’s win on Friday. Smith recently retired from international cricket but he still has it in him to play at this level.

McCullum too had a great outing the other day against RPS. His rapid 49 along with Smith’s 47 laid the foundation for the others to make light work of their chase. McCullum has got two starts in three games and it is about time he makes most of the starts. Both Smith and McCullum bat well together and must open for the remainder of the season.

Middle Order (Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik and Aaron Finch)

Gujarat Lions have so much quality in their middle order with Raina, Karthik and Finch in their ranks. All three have started the tournament well, especially skipper Raina. The southpaw has 108 runs having been dismissed just once and has a strike rate of 133. He is crucial to his team’s chances and is perfectly suited to bat at number 3.

Finch, who otherwise opens for Australia, has been given a different role at GL of batting in the middle order. Finch batting at 5 gives GL power in the middle overs. The right-handed batsman played well for his 33* in GL’s win the other day and can take a lot of confidence out of that innings. Karthik has shown why he topped the batting charts in the domestic ODI tournaments, with two good knocks already under his belt. He can be dangerous in the middle overs as he is capable of innovating.

Lower Middle Order (Ravindra Jadeja and Ishan Kishan)

Jadeja, who missed the first two games due to an injury, is back to give GL an all-around option. Jadeja can bowl economically and contribute quick runs with the bat. He can also be promoted up the order as and when the situation requires. Jadeja went for 1/40 on his return against RPS but picked up the wicket of Dhoni. Coming from a long Test season, Jadeja will hit the ground running very soon.

Ishan Kishan played his first game of this season on Friday. He has had a great domestic season and can be handy lower down the order. He also will bring energy in the field with his agile fielding.

Bowlers (Basil Thampi, Andrew Tye, Dhawal Kulkarni and Praveen Kumar)

Thampi has proved to be a handy all-rounder and possesses skills with both bat and bowl. Jadeja made a good comeback from injury against RPS and a lot of responsibility would lie on his shoulders. Dhawal Kulkarni deserves another opportunity to show his mettle and must play this tie on his home ground. Andrew Tye selects himself in the side for his outstanding performance in the last game. His knuckle slower ball was tough for everyone to pick and he also swung the ball when it was new.

Raina has a lot of faith on his U.P teammate Praveen Kumar and he is expected to play his 4^th game on the bounce. He is a bowler who swings the ball both ways and must bowl at least 3 overs first up. Experience can be so vital in critical moments hence Raina backs senior bowler Praveen to come good soon.