IPL 10, Match 23, KKR vs GL – Gujarat Lions Predicted XI

Gujarat Lions were top of the league last year but have been ordinary this year. Injuries have got the better of them as they missed some key players during the initial stages but after getting Jadeja back they sort of paved their way back with a win but that was soon undone. They have lost two games on a trot and are reeling at the bottom of the table with just one win in five games.

This is proving to be a nightmarish campaign for them as they were outclassed by Royal Challengers Bangalore and faced a similar kind of defeat at the hands of Mumbai as well. They play the inform Kolkata Knight Riders in the next match and it is very important that Gujarat gets their tactics right. So after studying every tactical aspect of tomorrow’s game, we present to you the predicted eleven of Gujarat Lions.

Openers (McCullum and Smith)

Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith have been in phenomenal form. Gujarat tried different combinations at the start of the tournament but McCullum and Smith are the best openers they have got. Especially McCullum, he has been fantastic even though some of his innings have been for a lost cause but still his form is what makes GL click.

Dwayne Smith, on the other hand, is all about cameos. He is someone who can take away the game from you within a blink of an eye. Partnered by another destructive batter, Smith always gets the leisure of going after the bowlers from ball one. On his day he can decimate any bowling line up and there is no reason Gujarat would want to play with this combination.

Higher Middle Order (Raina, Karthik, and Finch)

Gujarat have a deadly batting lineup. After those two destructive openers, there is classy Raina, gracious Karthik and powerful Finch to take the innings forward. Although both Karthik and Finch can open the batting, but McCullum and Smith are a perfect match. Karthik has had a fantastic domestic season and has continued his form here in the IPL.

Finch also has been in good touch but is yet to make a mark in this year’s IPL. The skipper Suresh Raina, however never fails to wow the audience. He is one of those who will always be there when the team needs him. Finding the form at the right time Raina has been one of the few players who is really fighting for the team.

This trio is one of the best in the IPL, they just need to find the right combination and the batting order to get their team going.

Lower Middle Order (Jadeja and Ishan Kishan)

Ishan Kishan has been sent up the order now and then but that hasn’t really worked for them but the talent he possesses is something which keeps him in the playing eleven. He has all kinds of the shots in his arsenal and can be destructive and also has a good defence which is always handy to have.

Ravindra Jadeja has had a fantastic season but went for 57 runs in his four overs against RCB. He was not effective with the bat as well but the ability of Jadeja cannot be underestimated. He is a game changer and is one of the first names on the team sheets irrespective of his performances.

Bowlers (Praveen Kumar, Andrew Tye, Nathu Singh, Shivil Kaushik)

Gujarat was one of the better outfits when it came to bowling last season but have been equally poor this season. Their bowlers have been leaking runs and wickets are hard to come by. Even with Jadeja’s return, it is hard for them to find the inspiration.

Praveen Kumar has been poor but his experience is invaluable while Andrew Tye has been the pick of the bowlers for them so far. Shivil Kaushik might just get the nod for tomorrow’s game as Nathu Singh might play in place of Basil Thampi.

Nathu Singh’s pace and his raw energy might provide the necessary inspiration for Gujarat and he might be someone who can partner Tye and get some wickets for Gujarat as they are struggling on that front.